State Politics
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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…
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“Win-Win” healthy food program passes first hurdle
More help could be coming to Iowans who need assistance to afford healthy foods. Iowa senators Wednesday discussed a bill to invest $1 million for 2025-2026 in the Double Up Food Bucks program
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🌽Cornhole Champions #8 – Best seats for the billionaires (with Rep. J. D. Scholten, Sen. Zach Wahls, and Austin Frerick)
Toss some bags and complain with us about the country’s political alignment with the richest people on earth. Bright ideas: campaign finance reform and lots of it. 🌽Cornhole Champions #8 – Best seats for the billionaires (with Rep. J. D. Scholten, Sen. Zach Wahls, and Austin Frerick) by Zachary Oren Smith Toss some bags and…
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‘Best seats’ for billionaires at Trump’s inauguration
If Trump’s inauguration is any indication, the 47th President is readying for more of the same with mega-donors at the center of the action. K.V. Dahl III made the trip to DC all the way from LeClaire, Iowa. But didn’t get to see the inauguration. He was just a few blocks from Capitol Hill when…
