Labor & Business Relations Committee Report – Week 4, 2017
SF 32 adds hair samples to the testing methods that may be used in private sector drug testing. Current law allows drug testing on samples of urine, saliva, breath and blood.
Judiciary Committee Report – week 4, 2017
Senate File 2 directs the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) to discontinue the Medicaid Family Planning Waiver effective July 1, 2017. The Medicaid Family Planning Waiver receives a 90/10 match from the federal government, which means the federal government picks up most of the cost,
Education Committee Report – week 4, 2017
SF 166 sets the FY18 regular school aid/state supplemental aid/allowable growth and the FY18 categorical allowable growth for schools at 1.11 percent. This bill establishes a total cost per pupil of $6,664, an increase of $73 per pupil. The 1.11 percent allowable growth rate in FY18 will cost the state $3.199 billion, an increase of $108.9 million over FY17.
Commerce Committee Report – week 4, 2017
SF 176 transfers responsibility for certifying targeted small businesses under the targeted small business procurement goal program (and associated reporting requirements) from the Department of Inspections & Appeals to the EDA, and specifies that EDA may establish standards for public access to information obtained under the program.
Appropriations Committee Report – Week 4, 2017
SF 130 deappropriates a net of $113.3 million from the FY17 general fund budget. These cuts would leave estimated cash on hand of $700,000 on June 30, 2017.
Senator Petersen’s opening comments on SF 2, the Attack on Iowa Family Planning Services
State Senator Janet Petersen’s opening remarks on SF2: Thank you Mr. President. This bill is bad for Iowa women and families. It will create more unintended pregnancies, more high risk pregnancies, and cost […]
Rules & Administration Committee Report – Week 4, 2017
SR3 – Senate rules for the 87th General Assembly FLOOR ACTION SR3 proposes permanent rules for the Senate for the 87th General Assembly and makes several changes: Rule 10 allows points of personal privilege […]
Ethics Committee Report – Week 4, 2017
This resolution updates the Senate’s rules governing lobbyists. It includes one minor change and one date change. The bill changes the threshold at which a political action committee must file from $750 to $1,000, and also changes which General Assembly this resolution governs.
Iowa Supreme Court sends clear message to Statehouse on water quality
The Iowa Supreme Court is sending the Legislature a clear message that it is our job to clean up this mess. Iowans shouldn’t have to wonder if they will have access to clean, affordable drinking water; and they shouldn’t be afraid to let their children and grandchildren swim in our lakes and rivers.
Senator Taylor: ‘It’s time to really make Iowa schools the Legislature’s #1 priority
If the Legislature approves anything less than 4 percent and 4 percent, more rural schools will be forced to close and consolidate. That would be devastating for the small towns in my district, and for hundreds of school districts in small towns across Iowa.”