January 2018
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Students Hit Hardest In Senate Republicans’ $52 Million Cuts
Iowa students could see a sharp spike in their tuition next semester if Senate Republicans successfully pass their de-appropriations bill for the current Fiscal Year 2018, which includes a $19.2 million cut for Iowa Board of Regents universities. That’s drastically higher than what Governor Kim Reynolds proposed two weeks ago – her de-appropriations proposal had…
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Rizer, Miller, Baudler Retirements Shake Up Iowa House Map For 2018
A trio of retirements announced in the past several days could have a big impact on who controls the Iowa House after the 2018 elections. Open seats always create more competition, and the retirements of Ken Rizer, Helen Miller and Clel Baudler could turn districts with strong incumbents into key battle ground races. Rizer’s Marion-based…
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John Forbes Backs Fred Hubbell, As Do Half-Dozen Former Legislators
Fred Hubbell added to his list of endorsements from state legislators today – Democratic State Representative John Forbes of Urbandale announced his support of the Des Moines businessman’s campaign. Forbes’ backing adds another lawmaker who’s been heavily involved in crafting healthcare policy at the Statehouse on to Hubbell’s team. Both Forbes and Matt McCoy, who…
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An America Without Newspapers
If the falling circulation for the nation’s newspapers continues, that headline could become a reality. What would an America without newspapers mean to political understanding and awareness? Investigative journalists led by the New York Times and the Washington Post have exposed the Trump administration’s lies and their attempted cover-up. If America didn’t have newspaper journalists…
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Ep6: Statehouse Reporting & An Interview With John Norris
Iowa Starting Line Podcast episode #6 begins with host Pat Rynard & a conversation between Statehouse reporters Brianne Pfannenstiel of the Des Moines Register & Erin Murphy of Lee Newspapers, followed by an interview with Gubernatorial candidate John Norris.
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Iowa House Clerk Arrested For A Drunk And Disorderly, Escorted From Capitol
The big lights of the Iowa Capitol aren’t for everyone, and each session one or two young clerks or pages invariably find a way to publicly embarrass themselves or get fired for something ridiculous. One Iowa House clerk made their exit from the state’s august debating chamber in style today, being forcibly removed from the…
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Which Legislative Candidates Stood Out In Fundraising Reports
The gubernatorial fundraising totals drew the big headlines from the January 19 fundraising deadline, but there was plenty of other interesting news in some of the legislative filings. Today, we’ll just look at the people challenging incumbents or running for open seats, most of whom are first-time candidates. Later in the week we’ll delve into…
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The Top Two Of The Top Ten Things I Want In A President
Recently the Register ran a “Letter to the Editor” I wrote entitled “Ten Attributes We Need in a President.” They were in no particular order and were bi-partisan in nature. Here they are as listed: Be honest. Have empathy. Put your ego on hold. Do not engage in or support “Fake News” Respect the “Rule…
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GOP Legislator Calls Out Party’s Water Quality Bill For What It Is, Attacks Leaders’ Integrity
Republican legislators and Governor Kim Reynolds were ready to congratulate themselves today for quick passage of a water quality bill they brought to the House floor this morning. After about 45 minutes of debate, the bill passed 59-41, but not before Representative Chip Baltimore delivered a scathing critique of the legislation’s merits and the process…
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Ep5: The Women’s March & Gubernatorial Fundraising Reports
Iowa Starting Line Podcast episode #5 features Rep. Liz Bennett & Planned Parenthood’s Erin Davison-Rippey to discuss the Women’s March with host Pat Rynard.
