House Speaker Pat Grassley today said it is unlikely the 2021 legislature will vote to make it illegal to drive while handling a smartphone. Grassley said some of the questions House Republicans have raised haven't been answered. "Just the enforcement, with law enforcement, how that would all … [Read more...]
Handful of Democrats join GOP in passing wide-ranging education bill
The Iowa House has approved changes in how schools may use state funding for the Teacher Leadership and Compensation program. Republican Representative Holly Brink of Oskaloosa said not every Iowa teacher wants to be in a leadership role. "Just like students learn differently, teachers may … [Read more...]
Supreme Court hears arguments in Branstad appeal
The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments today in the appeal of the discrimination lawsuit verdict against former Governor Terry Branstad. The jury found Branstad pushed out Workers Compensation Commissioner Christopher Godfrey in violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act because Godfrey was … [Read more...]
Branstad says President Trump aims to be record breaking for Iowa
President Trump is scheduled to rally with supporters at the Des Moines Airport this evening. "He wants to be record-breaking and record-setting for Iowa and Iowa farmers," says Eric Branstad, a senior advisor to the president's Iowa campaign, "and that's exactly what he's going to come and share … [Read more...]
Ernst and Greenfield on the road this weekend
Republican Senator Joni Ernst hosted a motorcycle ride across the state this weekend, with rallies in five different cities. It started Saturday in Sioux City, then a stop in Carroll where many in the crowd were waving Trump flags. Ernst began by acknowledging the polls which show her tied or … [Read more...]
Ex-Iowa Governor to campaign 28 consecutive days after return from China
Terry Branstad returns to Iowa on October 5 after resigning as U.S. Ambassador to China. Branstad's oldest son, a senior advisor for President Trump's Iowa campaign, said the former Iowa governor will immediately hit the campaign trail. "He wants to be everywhere doing everything to support … [Read more...]
Trump says Branstad’s leaving China to help president’s re-election
Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is leaving his diplomatic post. Trump spoke by phone with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst Saturday on another topic. As Ernst held the phone out so volunteers at GOP campaign headquarters could hear Trump, the president concluded by mentioning Branstad, who has been … [Read more...]
Iowa governor says no credit for online instruction without state permission
Governor Kim Reynolds says in-person classes are to be the primary mode of educating Iowa's K-12 students this school year and students will not get credit if their schooling is conducted online without state permission. "Schools that choose not to return to school for at least 50% in-person … [Read more...]
Branstad to stay in Beijing, but other family members leaving
As China deals with the coronavirus outbreak, former Governor Terry Branstad -- the current U.S. ambassador to China -- plans to stay in Beijing. Governor Kim Reynolds says she hasn't talked directly with Branstad, but one of her aides has. "The Ambassador is staying. We're not sure what Chris is … [Read more...]
Iowa’s attorney general to surpass national milestone tomorrow
On Saturday, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller will become the longest-serving attorney general in U.S. history. Miller, a Democrat, was first elected in 1978 and has been re-elected nine times. "I always thought that there was great potential in the office to serve ordinary people," Miller said … [Read more...]