Senate Republicans tonight sent the governor a House GOP plan to limit the authority of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat. Republican Senator Julian Garrett of Indianola said Miller has repeatedly joined out-of-state lawsuits seeking to overturn Trump Administration policies. "We're … [Read more...]
Housing woes emphasized during Iowa flood board meeting
The need for housing was the primary concern raised today during the first meeting of the governor's Flood Recovery Advisory Board. Governor Kim Reynolds said the state is waiting for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to respond to a request for temporary housing trailers. "Over 25,000 … [Read more...]
Alexa and Echo can now answer questions about State of Iowa
Iowa has become the 6th state in the country to offer state government information through "smart speakers." People may now reference the "State of Iowa" as they ask their Amazon "Alexa" or "Echo" or Google Home smart speaker some common questions, like how to get a birth certificate or … [Read more...]
House GOP votes to curb authority of Iowa’s Democratic attorney general
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, soon may have to seek permission from Republican officeholders to join lawsuits outside the state of Iowa. Republicans in the Iowa House like Representative Gary Worthan of Storm Lake are upset with Miller's participation in lawsuits challenging Trump … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor mum on fate of sports betting bill
Governor Kim Reynolds is giving few hints about her views on legalized sports betting. Last night, the Iowa House gave final legislative approval to a bill that would let the state's casinos take bets on professional and college sports -- either at the casinos or elsewhere via a smart-phone … [Read more...]
On 67-31 vote, Iowa House sends sports betting bill to governor
The governor must now decide whether sports betting should be legal in Iowa. Tonight, the Iowa House gave final legislative approval to a bill that would let the 19 state-licensed casinos take wagers on professional and college sports. Representative Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican from Wilton, said … [Read more...]
Iowa governor says $1.6 billion flood damage estimate to rise
Governor Kim Reynolds says the flood damage estimate the State of Iowa submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in March will be increased. The original, nearly $1.6 billion estimate of damage in western Iowa was developed a month ago. "Then FEMA came in, with the National Guard and … [Read more...]
Governor signs law to help some released inmates re-enter society
Iowa businesses and individuals soon will get some limited protection from lawsuits if they hire people with a non-violent criminal record. Governor Kim Reynolds approved the new law today. "The bill reflects Iowans' belief in redemption and second chances," Reynolds said during a ceremony in her … [Read more...]
New board to oversee development of childrens’ mental health system
A bill designed to eventually establish more mental health services for Iowa children cleared the Iowa Senate Tuesday evening. The bill was approved last month by the House, so it goes to Governor Kim Reynolds for her approval. "We've talked about a childrens' mental health system for a long time … [Read more...]
Reynolds sees vaping dangers, is open to raising age for buying products
Governor Kim Reynolds says she's willing to consider a bill that would raise the age for buying tobacco and other nicotine products to 21. "We need to continue to do everything we can to fight addiction in any form," Reynolds said late this morning. "I'll wait and see it in its final form, but I … [Read more...]