Republicans in the Iowa Senate have voted to require able-bodied adults to work, volunteer or go to school for at least 20 hours a week to remain qualified for Medicaid benefits. Senator Jason Schultz, a Republican from Schleswig, said the "Iowa work ethic" is eroding and this will help. "We've … [Read more...]
New charge for solar panel owners approved by Iowa Senate
The Iowa Senate has approved a bill that would let the major electric utilities in Iowa charge a new fee to most customers with solar panels. Republican Senator Michael Breitbach of Strawberry Point said Rural Electric Cooperatives and most city-owned utilities charge solar customers a fee for … [Read more...]
Debate over distributing $5.3 million federal grant for mental health services
A proposed change in how a federal block grant for mental health services is distributed in Iowa drew support and objections today during a public hearing at the Iowa capitol. About $5 million has been sent this year to 25 community mental health centers. The new plan would use that federal money … [Read more...]
Presidential candidates give attention to Iowa Senate special election
Several of the Democrats running for president have been visiting the Cedar Falls area to help turn out voters for tomorrow's special election in a state senate district. Democrat Jeff Danielson resigned last month to take a private sector job. Republican Walt Rogers, a former state … [Read more...]
U.S. Education Secretary in Iowa to tout her ‘school choice’ plan
Betsy DeVos, the U.S. Secretary of Education, was in Iowa today, touting a plan that would give federal tax breaks to individuals and corporations making donations to private school scholarships "to create new opportunities and new choices for students and their families to prepare them for … [Read more...]
Panel predicts $20 million decrease in Iowa tax revenue
A panel that estimates how much tax revenue the state of Iowa will collect predicts a slight slow down in the next budgeting year that starts July 1. Dave Roederer, the governor's budget director, says he and the other two members of the panel know there's a recession ahead, they just don't know … [Read more...]
Effort to allow campaign funds for babysitting costs fails in Iowa House
A bid to let Iowa political candidates use campaign funds to pay for child care while a parent is campaigning has failed in the Iowa House. Representative Heather Matson of Ankeny says her Democratic Primary opponent raised the issue last year and Matson says the Federal Election Commission is … [Read more...]
County officials lobby legislators on funding of mental health services
The Iowa State Association of Counties has released a video to highlight the dilemmas many Iowans face trying to find mental health services. It starts with the voices of Mary Neubauer and Larry Loss of Clive, the parents of a boy named Sergei. "It quickly became evident that he needed longer … [Read more...]
Iowa House and Senate endorse gun rights amendment again
The Republican-led Iowa Legislature has again endorsed a proposed gun rights amendment to Iowa's constitution. Senator Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, said the amendment's "strong language" is necessary "in case of laws coming out of D.C. or in case of any court decisions that would … [Read more...]
Iowans with spinal injuries seek Medicaid changes
A group of Iowans with profound spinal injuries is urging legislators to make changes in Medicaid benefits that help them navigate life while confined to a wheelchair. Michele Meadors of Des Moines said the switch to private management of Medicaid in 2016 has forced some wheelchair-bound Iowans into … [Read more...]