The three members of a state forecasting board agree state tax receipts will grow, but not by much in the next 18 months. "In the eight weeks since we met last, little has changed economically. The underlying fundamentals of the national and state economy remain sound. The economy continues to be … [Read more...]
Final approval given to $2.5 million tax break for Prospect Meadows
A huge complex of 17 baseball and softball fields planned in eastern Iowa now has administrative approval for a $2.5 million state tax rebate. The development is in Marion and it's called Prospect Meadows. Legislators voted to give Prospect Meadows the same sales tax rebate offered to the … [Read more...]
Iowa Lottery seeks change to allow use of electronic cash and games
The Iowa Lottery will ask state lawmakers in January to allow them to modernize their operations making it easier for customers to purchase and play lottery products electronically. Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer says they've been talking about the issue for ten years or more. "Things … [Read more...]
State Senator Boulton says ethics committee has no jurisdiction for sexual misconduct complaint
State Senator Nate Boulton wants an ethics committee to dismiss a sexual misconduct complaint filed against him last month. Boulton is a Democrat from Des Moines and says the alleged misconduct is beyond the scope of the committee, as it happened before he was elected in 2016. Boulton also issued … [Read more...]
With ethics complaint pending, Boulton not assigned to any senate panels
A Democratic state senator facing sexual misconduct allegations hasn't been assigned to any committees for the upcoming legislative session. Last month, a woman filed an ethics complaint alleging State Senator Nate Boulton of Des Moines had harassed her, before he was elected to the senate. … [Read more...]
Bar codes show 29 uncounted ballots in Northeast Iowa race were mailed on time
Court documents indicate 29 uncounted ballots in a close legislative race in northeast Iowa were mailed by the deadline. Kayla Koether, a Democrat from Decorah, asked for a recount in her race against Republican Representative Michael Bergen of Dorchester. She finished nine votes behind Bergen … [Read more...]
Lawmakers consider next step for Iowa’s mental health care system
Legislative leaders say they're hoping to come up with a way to finance expansion of mental health treatment for children in Iowa. There's no consensus, however, on whether the state might assume responsibility for financing the entire mental health system -- much of which is financed with county … [Read more...]
Under limited conditions, GOP could raise state sales tax in 2019
Two key Republicans in the Iowa Legislature say they're willing to consider a hike in the state sales tax, if it's coupled with cuts in other state taxes. Iowa voters in 2010 approved creation of a state fund to pay for water improvement and outdoor recreation projects, but the legislature has … [Read more...]
2018 Iowa election results certified; one result could be challenged
The statewide results of the 2018 election have been certified, with a 403-person "winners' list" being approved today by three members of the state executive council. But there could still be a procedural challenge in one northeast Iowa legislative race. Kayla Koether of Decorah, the Democrat … [Read more...]
Judge holds emergency hearing on canvas of tight northeast Iowa House race
A judge could rule sometime today on whether the statewide canvas Monday should be delayed for a northeast Iowa legislative race where only nine votes separate the two candidates. An attorney for Democrat Kayla Koehter of Decorah was granted an emergency hearing in Polk County where she requested … [Read more...]