State Politics
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Reynolds admits to gutting Sand’s auditing ability at DC oversight hearing
In a hearing about government oversight, Gov. Kim Reynolds admits to restricting the Iowa auditor’s oversight of state government. Gov. Kim Reynolds was in Washington D.C. today, appearing before a US House committee meeting on government oversight to brag about her work in Iowa and further praise Donald Trump’s presidency. But while she may have…
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Miller-Meeks, Zaun pile onto Trump’s suit against Register pollster
In 2024, Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks encored her razor-thin margin from 2020. Despite winning, she’s calling foul and blaming a poll that didn’t mention her name. No one is more aware of her elections’ tight margins than US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Her district’s ambivalence toward her in 2024 was only matched by its ambivalence in…
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Heartland AEA begins dramatic restructuring following Republican’s AEA changes and cuts
A state agency that supports students from kindergarten to age 21 with special needs is anticipating major restructuring and reductions in the coming year. This after Iowa Republicans’ law redirecting their funding and scope of service. Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) is bracing staff for even larger reductions in staff and services in response to…
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IA Republicans advance bill that could require schools to teach fetal personhood
Republican legislators advanced a bill requiring schools to show students in grades 7-12 videos about the stages of fetal development, without any requirements that the videos be scientifically or medically accurate.
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Auditor Sand uncovers $430,000 fraud scheme in Iowa Workforce Development funded program
Embezzled federal funds paid a family member’s cell phone bills and non-existent daycare services. Auditor Rob Sand says the state needs to prioritize oversight in light of investigation. A special investigation by Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand found evidence of $426,000 in embezzled federal funds by an agency overseen by Iowa Workforce Development. The case…
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IA students question need for bill that allows for disrespecting names in school
A bill that would ensure there are no penalties for disrespecting students and school employees advanced through a House education subcommittee on Tuesday morning with support from Reps. Helena Hayes (R–New Sharon) and Henry Stone (R–Forest City). Rep. Heather Matson (D-Ankeny) did not support the legislation. The bill states that there should be no penalties…
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Guest post: Forget Project 2025. We need a better Farm Bill
When it comes to farm policy in 2025, we don’t need Project 2025. We need a new Farm Bill that acknowledges the challenges we face, tackles them head on, and puts our rural communities before corporate profits. Reading about the recent round of layoffs at John Deere’s Ottumwa plant got me thinking about the future…
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Special election is Tuesday for Clinton state Senate seat
Tuesday’s special election will decide who fills the vacancy left by Lieutenant Gov. Chris Cournoyer. The special election for the vacant state Senate seat in District 35 will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Polling places will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Two candidates are on the ballot:…
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IA Republicans advance bill to make schools teach that life begins at conception
A bill requiring educators to teach students that life begins at conception was passed through a Senate subcommittee on Thursday by Sens. Jeff Taylor (R-Sioux Center) and Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville).
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Medical CBD expansion bill passes first hurdle
Iowa has one of the most restrictive medical cannabis programs in the country. There’s a push in the Iowa Legislature to double the number of cannabidiol dispensaries that can operate in the state. Iowa license plates have become a common site at weed dispensaries across state lines. The state only allows cannabis preparations in medical…
