Government + Politics
Bill would create special driver’s license for teen farm workers
For Iowa teenagers helping their families out on the farm, there’s a new bill that would create a new special license that could let them drive a vehicle up to 50 miles in Iowa. The bill, introduced by Iowa Sen. Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone, authorizes the Iowa Department of Transportation to issue a “special minor farm […]
Jennifer Easler named consumer advocate
Jennifer Easler has been appointed consumer advocate for regulated utility issues, replacing Mark Schuling, who retired Jan. 10, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced. Easler, an attorney in the office since 1996, must be confirmed by the Iowa Senate. She will oversee a staff of 14 people who investigate services regulated by the Iowa Utilities […]
DOT: Traffic fatalities running 40% above average
The year is young, but the seven traffic-related deaths in Iowa through Jan. 10 is two more than than five-year average — up 40%, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported. The DOT’s Monday newsletter noted that this can be a particularly dangerous time of year to drive, and not just because of the snow and […]
Lawmakers open session with focus on workforce
Despite a minor glitch with some of their microphones, Iowa legislative leaders were loud and clear about their priorities as they opened the 2020 legislative session on Monday. “Yes, I know the sound is off – you’re just going to have to strain your ears and I apologize for that,” Senate President Charles Schneider, R-West […]
Iowa Legislature 2020: IWILL or IWON’T?
IWILL or IWON’T? That’s a dilemma for Iowa Republican legislators as they open their new session in an election year that could challenge their majority. Will they raise the state sales tax a penny to pay for expensive water quality and mental-health programs? Or won’t they? Here are a few factors lawmakers may consider as […]
Panel lets dust gather on cremation rule
Melissa Bird of the Iowa Department of Public Health walked into a state meeting Friday with a proposed rule that navigated the apparently touchy world of getting a permit to dig up or otherwise retrieve the cremated remains of a person. She walked out with dust. If not ashes. After the board chairwoman expressed frustration […]
Don’t let special interests hijack natural resources fund
I have lived and worked on a small Sac County farm for the past 41 years. During our time on the farm, my family has restored wetlands and used sustainable farming methods. We have planted native trees and shrubs and worked to restore native fish habitats for endangered species. We have planted native grasses in […]
What’s Gov. Kim Reynolds got to worry about?
Gov. Kim Reynolds doesn’t seem to have a lot of worries these days. She’s starting the second legislative session of her four-year term. Her Republican Party controls both chambers of the Legislature. And her campaign just announced record-breaking fundraising for this stage of any Iowa governor’s term. Reynolds sat down with Iowa Capital Dispatch recently […]
Pete Buttigieg on wine caves and white privilege
“I went and looked up the house I lived in as a little kid, just to see what it’s going on the market for now. I think it’s 60,000 bucks,” Buttigieg said.
Longtime DOT staffer named interim department chief
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed longtime Iowa Department of Transportation staffer Stuart Anderson as interim director effective Friday. He replaces Mark Lowe. He resigned effective Friday at the request of Reynolds, who indicated she wanted a change in leadership. Lowe served at-will, meaning he could be dismissed for any reason. He told DOT staff […]
U.S. House votes to check Trump on military action against Iran
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Thursday on a resolution to curtail President Donald Trump’s ability to take military action against Iran without first securing congressional approval. The chamber voted 224-194, largely along party lines, to approve the resolution from Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), which would direct Trump to halt the use of U.S. armed […]
Judge, two attorneys are finalists for Iowa Supreme Court
The State Judicial Nominating Commission on Thursday narrowed the pool of Iowa Supreme Court Justice applicants down to three and now it’s up to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to make the final decision on who will take a seat on the state’s highest court. Following a day of interviewing 12 applicants, the commission selected Joel […]