Monday, August 21, 2017
STATEMENT FROM IOWA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER MARK SMITH “Congratulations to Dr. Phil Miller on tonight’s decisive vi ...
Lawmakers called on the House Oversight Committee to continue their work reviewing the cases of the two teenage gir ...
Several changes to how Iowan’s seek relief in the courts passed the Legislature this session. Major reforms were ma ...
Dr. Phil Miller of Fairfield announced today he will seek the Democratic nomination to replace State Representative ...
Cost Saving Construction Measures Now Banned
Local governments ability to screen contractors and control costs on large projects are now banned after action taken by Republican lawmakers this year. After the new law, government entities are no longer allowed to have bidders for public contracts ...
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Iowa Cracks Down on Distracted Driving
Iowa has joined the majority of other states in the country that have stricter laws for drivers who text and drive. Previously, Iowans could not be pulled over for only texting while driving, unless they committed another offense for the purpose of t ...
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Homeowners Affected Under New CAFO Law
Iowa homeowners whose quality of life or property values have been impacted by confined feeding operations (CAFOS) may now have even fewer options. Under a bill approved by the Republican-led Legislature, if a CAFO moves next to your property and rui ...
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Changes to Alcohol Policy Could Spur Economic Development
The Legislature has approved sweeping changes to Iowa’s alcohol policy intended to encourage economic development and tourism across the state. Some of the main changes will allow for breweries to now sell wine by the glass and small native distiller ...
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GOP Turns Budget Surplus to Deficit
Lawmakers closed the 2017 legislative session putting the finishing touches on the fiscal year 2018 budget as well as addressing a $131 million state budget deficit in fiscal year 2017. While the state had a $900 million surplus just a few years ago, ...
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Bills Allow Iowa Schools Flexibility in Funding
Two bills have been sent to the Governor that allow school districts flexibility in using funds after they have met the obligations of their intended purpose. This would allow school districts to fill in some gaps in educational programming. Democrat ...
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Inside the Iowa House: 2017 Session Ends
Democrats opened the 2017 Iowa Legislature ready to work together with the Republican-led majority to make progress for all Iowans again. But Republicans chose a different path this session. And Iowans noticed. Instead of working with us, Republican ...
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