Governor Kim Reynolds is forming a committee to develop a new set of criminal justice reform recommendations. "To build on the 'second chance' initiatives that I started last year," Reynolds says. Reynolds says the group's first task will be to come up with policies that support people when … [Read more...]
‘Outrage’ in Iowa biofuels industry over proposed EPA blending rules
Iowa's ethanol and biodiesel industry reacted in disbelief and anger today after the Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft policy on future biofuels production targets. The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association was first to react, saying he was outraged the EPA failed to … [Read more...]
Iowa leaders react as EPA releases ethanol use plan
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler released the details today of the Trump Administration's agreement on how much ethanol will be blended with gasoline. Wheeler said the agreement for what's know as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will address concerns about blending … [Read more...]
Allegations lead state to put hold on incentives for Sioux City plant
State officials have frozen tax incentives for a Sioux City pork processing plant due to an investigation of alleged mistreatment of foreigners recruited to work at the plant. Seaboard Triumph Foods was awarded $16.5 million in tax credits and sales tax breaks for the Sioux City facility which … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor says e-cigarette use among teens ‘alarming’
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says there are dangers associated with "vaping" and she's discussing policy options with key advisers. "I think it's alarming what we're continuing to see and the increase in the number of cases and so we continue to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health to … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor still awaits details of Trump’s biofuels deal
Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has not yet seen a document outlining how the Trump Administration may address farmers' fury over ethanol waivers granted to oil refineries. "I'm optimistic that we'll hopefully get something this week, but we're still waiting to see the final details on it," … [Read more...]
State of Iowa surplus hits $289.3 million
The governor has announced the State of Iowa's last fiscal year ended with a surplus of nearly $290 million. The state's 12-month fiscal year ended June 30th, but the books don't close until two months later to ensure all receipts and payments are processed. This year's $289.3 million surplus is … [Read more...]
One of Iowa’s biodiesel plants has closed amid RFS uncertainty
A southeast Iowa biodiesel plant has shut down, putting 16 people out of work. W2 Fuel in Crawfordsville made about 10-million gallons of biodiesel annually. It's been nearly two weeks since Governor Kim Reynolds met with President Trump, seeking new policies that will increase the federal … [Read more...]
Governor seeks policy for paid time-off for state workers who volunteer
Governor Kim Reynolds has directed a key state agency to draft a new policy for state employees who volunteer outside of state government during the workday. "It's important to me to encourage our hardworking state employees to participate in volunteer activities similar to other employees across … [Read more...]
Reynolds says Grassley was ‘bad cop’ during Oval Office meeting on ethanol
Republican Governor Kim Reynolds held her annual fundraiser Saturday night, using the event to denounce the Democrats running for president and make a pitch for Donald Trump's reelection. But Reynolds also recounted tense moments in the White House earlier this month as she and other Iowa … [Read more...]