Governor Kim Reynolds is using nearly 40 percent of the federal coronavirus relief money Iowa received to cover unemployment benefits. She's depositing $490 million dollars into the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Iowa Association of Business and Industry president Mike Ralston says … [Read more...]
State website now using new method for counting recovery from COVID-19
State officials have changed the way recovery from COVID-19 is reported on the state website with coronavirus information and Governor Kim Reynolds says it means more hours will be spent finding people who may have been near someone who has the virus. Case inspection first teams try to speak with … [Read more...]
Governor approves data confirmation change for absentee ballot requests
Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on all the bills that cleared the 2020 legislative session -- and she approved changes in how county election officials verify the identity of Iowans asking to vote with an absentee ballot. Republican lawmakers say they want to prevent absentee ballot abuse. … [Read more...]
BLM protester hit by driver of governor’s SUV
The state trooper driving the governor's SUV Tuesday hit a Black Lives Matter activist who stood in front of the vehicle in an attempt to speak with Govenror Reynolds. Jaylen Cavil tweeted that he's "physically okay" and was hoping Reynolds would roll her window down and speak with the two dozen … [Read more...]
Judge temporarily blocks 24-hour waiting period for abortions
A district court judge has temporarily blocked a new abortion restriction Governor Reynolds approved Monday from going into effect tomorrow. The law that's on hold would require women to attend an additional appointment at least 24 hours before terminating a pregnancy. "I believe in this piece of … [Read more...]
Governor says schools with mandatory mask policies must define appropriate use
Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowa school officials who choose to mandate that everyone in a school building must wear face masks must seriously consider how to implement the policy. "What type of a face covering will be allowed?" Reynolds asks. "...Who will be responsible for providing the face … [Read more...]
Governor approves tax break for higher blends of biofuels like E15, B20
Governor Kim Reynolds has approved legislation that reduces the state tax on gas with an ethanol blend of 15 percent or higher. It applies the same six-cent per gallon break to 20 percent or higher blends of biodiesel. "It's going to make higher blend biofuels even cheaper at the pump, making it … [Read more...]
Governor approves changes in medical cannabis law, raises tobacco-buying age
Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on a host of bills, including three that deal with marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes. When bars and restaurants were closed this spring due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation allowing the sale of carry-out cocktails in addition to … [Read more...]
Reynolds approves 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a bill that creates a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa, but it may not go into effect as planned this Wednesday. On Monday, a district court judge heard opening arguments in the lawsuit the ACLU and Planned Parenthood filed to block the … [Read more...]
AARP calls for COVID-19 testing, tracking in Iowa nursing homes
AARP Iowa is calling for mandatory testing of all residents and staff in Iowa nursing homes after a case of COVID-19 has been identified. "Today testing in nursing homes is encouraged, but frankly encouraged is not good enough," AARP Iowa state director Brad Anderson says. "Testing needs to be … [Read more...]