2019
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Ep107: National Vs. Iowa Primary Strategy, Ro Khanna Interview
Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with former Lt. Governor Patty Judge about the debate over candidates running a national primary strategy versus and early state approach. And we interview Congressman Ro Khanna of California about his work on linking rural Iowa to Silicon Valley, combatting social media disinformation, and his role as…
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10 Reasons For Supporting A Presidential Candidate
Guest piece from Dick Goodson, a Des Moines resident and former chair of the Des Moines Committee on Foreign Relations. 10 reasons to support a specific candidate for President: The candidate must be impeccably honest and truthful. The candidate must treat all individuals with respect regardless of race, sexual orientation or nationality. The candidate needs…
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Where Was Joni Ernst’s Squealing Over Tariffs?
Making Washington squeal was a major theme used by Joni Ernst in campaigning for the Senate in 2014. She has continued to claim that she is holding Washington accountable by declaring a monthly, “Joni’s Squeal Award.” She has used that squeal award to highlight numerous trivial spending issues and attack various Democratic proposals. Where is…
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Joni Ernst Target Of New Group Highlighting Iowans’ Struggles
Sen. Joni Ernst’s voting record on Medicaid expansion and protecting insurance coverage for Iowans with preexisting health conditions was the subject of the launch of a new grassroots organization in the state working to amplify examples of everyday hardships. Emily Holley, executive director of Iowa Voices, introduced the new initiative Thursday at the Iowa Statehouse…
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USDA Grants Boost Small Iowa Towns, But Funding Now At Risk
As small towns across the country struggle to attract or retain businesses, the USDA has been awarding a number of rural development grants to help stimulate growth. “I just feel like there’s been a reinvigorated interest in rural issues and communities, and seeing that manifest itself in different ways has been really encouraging,” said Grant…
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Pete Buttigieg Only Candidate With Plan For Expanded Supreme Court
Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is the only candidate among 21 who has laid out a full vision for reforming the Supreme Court. Though many other candidates have recognized the need for reform, Buttigieg has advocated for expanding the number of justices during his campaign. His idea for the expansion would put…
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New Finkenauer Bill Focuses On ‘Ignored’ Rural Health Care Providers
Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer was back in her home district this Monday to introduce a new piece of legislation centered on helping health care providers cover the costs of serving Medicare recipients. At St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Finkenauer laid out the pieces of the “Keeping Physicians Serving Patients Act of 2019,” a bipartisan bill…
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Violence Against Workers Spikes At Independence Facility
Four staff members were attacked while working at the Independence Mental Health Institute over a nine day period, according to an AFSCME Council 61 statement earlier today. The incidents began on June 6 when a residential treatment worker was hit on the head and jaw by a patient who escaped restraints. The staff member is…
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Iowa Republican Leaders Brag About Their Court Appointee Success
Sen. Chuck Grassley and other top Iowa Republican leaders made it clear over the weekend what they view as their party’s signature accomplishment in recent years: a conservative takeover of the judiciary at all levels. With the 15 minutes he had to speak at Sen. Joni Ernst’s Roast and Ride on Saturday, Grassley spent about…
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Iowa Labor Lawsuits Pile Up, But State Rarely Gets Punished
At least seven unions have filed lawsuits against the State of Iowa since collective bargaining rules changed in 2017. Complaints have been filed against the Iowa Board of Regents, the State of Iowa and the Public Employment Relations Board for alleged unfair treatment of public safety employees and for questions about the validity of agreements…
