Republican leaders in the Iowa legislature say they will meet with Governor Kim Reynolds to chart the state's response to the catastrophic flooding that's hit western Iowa, but House Speaker Linda Upmeyer of Clear Lake said she's worried more flooding is on the way. "Certainly applications will … [Read more...]
Iowa House sends Senate framework for children’s mental health system
The Iowa House has passed two bills designed to address a lack of mental health services for Iowa children. The first bill established a state board to oversee the system. "A robust children's mental health piece of legislation that lays the groundwork for what will come in the state of Iowa," … [Read more...]
Bill ends required school collection of students’ health screenings
Republicans in the Senate have approved a bill that would no longer require Iowa schools collect proof that students have been screened for lead poisoning as well as vision and dental problems. Senator Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Allerton, said it gives schools the option of telling parents … [Read more...]
Senate votes to bar use of state funds to buy, idle farmland
The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation from borrowing money from a state fund to purchase land for water quality projects. Senator Tim Kapucian, a farmer from Keystone, is among the 31 Republican senators who voted for the bill. "This bill is … [Read more...]
Bill backer says hunter education class infringes on parental rights
The Iowa House has voted to remove a requirement that children between the ages of 12 and 15 complete a hunter safety course in order to hunt deer with a pistol or revolver. Republican Representative Matt Windschitl of Missouri Valley said this clarifies part of a 2017 gun rights law. "I believe … [Read more...]
Gillibrand says climate change is ‘greatest threat to humanity’
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is making her first trip to Iowa since officially entering the Democratic presidential race and she's calling for aggressive action on climate change. "Global climate change is the greatest threat to humanity that exists," Gillibrand said Tuesday night. "It's … [Read more...]
Democrat Eric Giddens wins open Iowa Senate seat
A member of the Cedar Falls School Board is now a senator-elect. Democrat Eric Giddens won today's special election for an open seat in the Iowa Senate, beating Republican Walt Rogers by 15 points. Giddens will represents all of Cedar Falls, the community of Hudson and a small portion of … [Read more...]
Senate GOP backs work requirements for Iowa Medicaid recipients
Republicans in the Iowa Senate have voted to require able-bodied adults to work, volunteer or go to school for at least 20 hours a week to remain qualified for Medicaid benefits. Senator Jason Schultz, a Republican from Schleswig, said the "Iowa work ethic" is eroding and this will help. "We've … [Read more...]
New charge for solar panel owners approved by Iowa Senate
The Iowa Senate has approved a bill that would let the major electric utilities in Iowa charge a new fee to most customers with solar panels. Republican Senator Michael Breitbach of Strawberry Point said Rural Electric Cooperatives and most city-owned utilities charge solar customers a fee for … [Read more...]
Presidential candidates give attention to Iowa Senate special election
Several of the Democrats running for president have been visiting the Cedar Falls area to help turn out voters for tomorrow's special election in a state senate district. Democrat Jeff Danielson resigned last month to take a private sector job. Republican Walt Rogers, a former state … [Read more...]