Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that limits the Iowa state auditor's ability to access some information, like tax returns or medical records, for audits and investigations. State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat in statewide elected office, said it's "the worst … [Read more...]
Reynolds completes action on bills passed by ’23 legislature
Governor Kim Reynolds has completed her review of the bills that passed the Republican led 2023 Iowa legislature and signed all of them into law. Reynolds approved 67 bills Thursday. One requires both of Iowa's major political parties to conduct their Caucuses in person, although some Democrats … [Read more...]
Governor signs law to let minors work at more jobs, for longer hours
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that will let teenagers work longer hours in Iowa and be paid to work in some jobs that are off limits to minors today. "Honestly, it helps fill a need and it allows kids to earn a little bit of extra money, maybe start saving for college or to buy … [Read more...]
Reynolds defends likely move to limit auditor’s access to some records
Governor Kim Reynolds says she hasn't made a final decision on a bill to limit State Auditor Rob Sand's access to some information, but Reynolds says Sand -- the lone Democrat in statewide office -- has gone too far in some of his investigations. "The constitution states that there shall be an … [Read more...]
Iowa seniors have until July 1 to apply for new property tax break
Iowans who are 65 or older and own the home they live in have about six weeks to apply for a new property tax exemption. The tax plan Governor Reynolds signed into law earlier this month includes a new property tax exemption for Iowa seniors. It will reduce the taxable value of a home by $3250 … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst: use Defense Department to cut fentanyl influx
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she wants to increase the oversight authority of the Department of Defense as a way to stem the flow of fentanyl at its source in Mexico. "The DOD plays a leading role in the nation's counterdrug intelligence and monitoring operations. However, the lack of interagency … [Read more...]
Congresswoman Hinson says bipartisan response needed to border crisis
Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says legislation she voted for along with other House Republicans is a conservative border security package that could address the humanitarian and safety crisis issues. "Well, I certainly hope that Senate will step up to the plate and work with us in the house to … [Read more...]
Governor touts ‘transformational’ actions of 2023 legislative session
Governor Kim Reynolds says the 2023 legislative session has set Iowa on "a new path," starting with what she calls "transformational education reform." At the end of this month, low income parents of private school students can start applying for $7600 in state money to cover tuition and other … [Read more...]
Iowa House and Senate adjourn 2023 legislative session
The 2023 Iowa legislative session ended early this afternoon. Over the past four months, the Republican majority approved a series of GOP priorities like state funding for private school expenses and curbs on what books are allowed in public school libraries, A bipartisan property tax relief plan … [Read more...]
Governor gets bill requiring in-person participation in Iowa Caucuses
Republicans in the legislature have sent the governor a bill they say will secure Iowa's first-in-the-nation Caucuses. It will require participants attend the precinct meetings in person. Democrats in the House and Senate opposed the bill, saying it will derail their plan to have mail-in voting … [Read more...]