A northern Iowa farmer who's been in the legislature nearly 12 years is proposing a new "corn state" license plate design. Senator Tim Kapucian of Keystone has drafted a bill that would carry out his vision. "It'll say at the top of the plate: 'The Corn State' and then it'll be a white plate with … [Read more...]
Proposed amendment states Iowa Constitution doesn’t confer abortion rights
The 32 Republicans in the Iowa Senate today endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that says the state's founding document does not protect abortion rights. "Ending life through the practice of abortion is the most egregious violation of human rights in the history of humanity," Senator … [Read more...]
Iowa bill a response to case of Indiana abortion doctor
A bill has been introduced in the Iowa House in response to the recent case of more than 2400 fetal remains found in the garage and vehicle of an Indiana doctor who performed abortions. Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference says burying the dead respectfully is important to the Catholic … [Read more...]
Candidate to lead Iowa Democrats touts grassroots, legislative experience
State Representative of Mark Smith is the first to announce he's running to be the next chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party. Current chair Troy Price announced his resignation yesterday in the wake of the Iowa Caucus mess. Smith says his background gives him the ability to step in and help … [Read more...]
GOP lawmakers wrestle with school funding decision
There's disagreement among Republicans at the statehouse over how many state tax dollars to forward to Iowa's public schools for the next academic year. Republicans in the Iowa Senate favor a 2.1% increase in per pupil spending. "Looking at in total, it's on average about $3000 per classroom … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate GOP’s plan for restrictions on felon voting rights
Senate Republican have unveiled their proposed limitations if Iowa voters approve a constitutional amendment to automatically restore felon voting rights. The plan would still force those convicted of murder manslaughter or certain sex crimes to apply to the governor to get their voting rights … [Read more...]
Bill would end ‘gun free zones’ in Iowa public buildings
A bill introduced in the Iowa House would forbid most Iowa cities and counties from banning guns in public buildings. Gun bans could only be enforced in public buildings that screen the public at entry points and have armed security officers inside. Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from … [Read more...]
New Iowa DNR leader appears headed to confirmation
The new director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources appears to be on track be confirmed for the job by the Iowa Senate. Republican Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Kayla Lyon as DNR director last summer. Some criticized the appointment because Lyon has worked as a lobbyist for farmers and … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate’s first bill of 2020 provides millions for flood relief
The Iowa Senate has approved spending $20 million more in the current state fiscal year on flood relief projects. Senator Rob Hogg, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, voted for the extra $20 million -- but suggested the state should spend more. "I was in southwest Iowa last year. I saw the heartache … [Read more...]
House, Senate GOP unveil competing school funding plans
About $20 million separates the public school funding plans Republicans in the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate are proposing. Senate Republicans like Majority Leader Jack Whitever of Ankeny favor an increase of 2.1% in general state spending on K-12 public schools. "This is an amount that we feel … [Read more...]