House Democrats are planning to push to make contraceptives, like the pill, available without a prescription. Representative Lindsay James, a Democrat from Dubuque, says pharmacists in 20 states are able to provide birth control without a doctor's prescription. "Pharmacists especially in rural … [Read more...]
Renewable Fuels study of blocked carbon pipeline impact on corn price
A study commissioned by the renewable fuels industry suggests corn prices in Iowa would drop significantly if carbon capture pipelines are not built in Iowa. "It's like asking a farmer, a corn farmer on the corn side of their equation to take an 85% pay cut," Shaw said during an online news … [Read more...]
Pence says indictment of Trump would be politically motivated
Former Vice President Mike Pence says the potential arrest of former President Donald Trump is "politically motivated" and Pence says that's "deeply troubling." Pence spoke with reporters in Iowa this morning, shortly after Trump announced he expected to be arrested Tuesday in connection with a … [Read more...]
Iowa House sends governor gender-specific bathroom policy
A bill that's on its way to the governor would require that students in Iowa K-12 schools use bathrooms and locker rooms designated for the gender on their birth certificate. After a sometimes contentious debate, 57 House Republicans voted for the measure. Five Republicans and all Democrats … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst questions Ag Secretary on several issues
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst questioned U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack today on issues ranging from electric cars and ethanol to farm subsidies for billionaires during a hearing before the Senate Ag Committee. Ernst, a Republican, says it's hard to understand why the largest ten-percent of farms are … [Read more...]
Governor hails passage of ‘transformational’ state government reorganization
The Iowa House has sent Governor Kim Reynolds the state government reorganization plan her staff and a consulting firm developed over the past year. It reduces the number of state agencies from 37 to 16. It also shifts some government functions, like fire investigations and services for students … [Read more...]
Bill would eliminate Iowa individual income tax
A Senate committee has approved a bill that would gradually eliminate the state income tax -- if state tax revenues continue to grow. Senator Dan Dawson, a Republican from Council Bluffs, is chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. "It is a continuation of modernization and … [Read more...]
Regents order study of DEI initiatives at U-I, ISU, UNI
The board that governs the three state supported universities is launching a comprehensive review of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs at the schools. The president of the Board of Regents has also directed the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature establishes licensure for Rural Emergency Hospitals
The legislature is sending Governor Kim Reynolds a bill setting up a state process so small Iowa hospitals may be licensed as a Rural Emergency Hospital. Under federal rules, Rural Emergency Hospitals may discontinue in-patient care, while keeping out-patient services and an emergency room open. … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley looking for payment cap legislation for farm programs
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled to testify before members of the Senate Ag Committee this week, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. Vilsack, a former Iowa governor and a Democrat, is pushing through policies at U.S.D.A. which Grassley says will make it difficult to pass a … [Read more...]