Background After news articles found there were a number of state employees laid-off and secret settlements were paid, the Governor signed executive order 85 to seek more transparency and accountability in how his own administration handles employee settlements. The House Government Oversight Committee considered this bill before the committee had a clear picture of the events [...]
House Democratic Leader Mark Smith Statement on District Court Ruling to Re-Open the Iowa Juvenile Home "I’m pleased with the Court’s ruling today. It was a terrible mistake to close the Iowa Juvenile Home and, as Branstad officials finally admitted yesterday, we know we need a facility in the state of Iowa for young women who [...]
Recently the Iowa Legislature gave the governor the ability to transfer money and pay more than $6 million in unpaid bills that would cover state costs owed to public defenders and private attorneys under contract to provide legal services for indigent defendants. Indigent defendants are employed by the government to represent those who are charged with [...]
