Water quality deserves a REAL solution
Water quality is a real problem that deserves a real solution. SF 512 fails to ensure accountability through monitoring to measure whether the state is achieving the goal of cleaner water and healthier soils.
Senators introduce bill to end privatized Medicaid
All 20 Democrats and the one Independent in the Iowa Senate have introduced SF 2058, a bill to end privatized Medicaid and put Iowans back in control of a state-run system that provides affordable health care to more than 560,000 citizens.
Local Government Committee Report – Week 2, 2018
SSB 3017 gives counties and property owners another option for providing assessor notices. If an assessor is required or authorized by Iowa Code to send an assessment, notice or other information by regular mail, the assessor may instead provide the information electronically.
Judiciary Committee Report – Week 2, 2018
SF 2010 allows federal officers to carry dangerous weapons (usually firearms) on school property, while on duty and off duty. HF 517, the “firearms omnibus” bill from the 2017 session, allowed peace officers to carry weapons on school grounds while not on duty. Federal officers were inadvertently omitted from that bill. SF 2010 fixes the omission.
Ragan & Steckman to hold Mason City listening post
State Senator Amanda Ragan and State Representative Sharon Steckman will hold a legislative listening post this Saturday, January 20. The meeting will take place from 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St. SE, Mason City.
We agree ‘urgent action’ needed to stop ‘additional inappropriate behavior’
Little has changed in the Iowa Senate more than four years since Kirsten Anderson was fired after filing a complaint about the toxic work environment. As Ambassador Kramer wrote in her report: ‘As of now, there is nothing that has changed to prevent additional inappropriate behavior and ensuing problems.’
Senate Democratic Leader Petersen’s 2018 Opening Day Address
Video and text of Senate Democratic Leader Petersen’s 2018 Opening Day Address to the Iowa Senate.
Legislators highlight Cedar Rapids recycling success
Before Iowa repeals the bottle bill signed by Governor Bob Ray nearly 40 years ago, it is important for legislators and the public to know how it is actually working today.
McCoy and Forbes file bill for public health care option
State Senator Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, and State Representative John Forbes, D-Urbandale, filed a bill today that will make health care more accessible and affordable for Iowans. Called the Healthy Iowans for a Public Option (HIPO), the new plan would give the 72,000 Iowans on the individual market another health insurance option.
New Iowa health care disaster approaches: End of hawk-i
Iowa’s outstanding health insurance for children is at risk due to the Congressional failure to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Without federal action, the state of Iowa faces millions more in costs even though 44,000 fewer children would be insured.