by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 10, 2025 Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order Monday officially creating the state Department of Government Efficiency task force. Reynolds said at a news conference the initiative, based on the federal DOGE headed by Elon Musk, will make recommendations to further her administration’s existing efforts to […]
As part of American Heart Month, Mahaska Health is inviting the community to take charge of their cardiovascular health by attending the Heart Health Cholesterol Screening Event on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 8 AM – 11 AM at Mahaska Health, Door #4. This free event will offer vital health screenings, expert advice, and a […]
by Clint Dye Oskaloosa freshman Mia Luck took to the mat at the Iowa High School Girls State Tournament this past Thursday, February 6th at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. Luck entered the Iowa Class 1A 135 bracket with an overall record of 33-1 and was the number three seed. In her first round, she […]
by Senator Ken Rozenboom This week started off on a somber note as we mourned the loss of Rep. Martin Graber. We were sorry to hear the news of his sudden passing late last week. He was a valued member of the Iowa legislature, and he will be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out […]
DES MOINES— Today, Governor Kim Reynolds introduced legislation to incentivize continuum of care partnerships between child care centers and preschool providers to the Iowa House and Senate. Iowa currently ranks fifth in the nation (67%) for access to four-year-old preschool—nearly double the national average (35%). While preschool is widely available, some working families cannot participate […]
by Senator Adrian Dickey Happy Friday Senate District 44! Week four gaveled in with some sadness as the senate chamber took a moment of silence for Representative Martin Graber from Lee County. Martin was a friend and good colleague of mine, and my heart goes out to his family along with the many people who […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 6, 2025 House Speaker Pat Grassley said House Republicans are pursuing a slightly higher increase in state funding package for the public K-12 system than the governor and GOP senators. Speaking with reporters Thursday, Grassley said the House GOP caucus is proposing legislation that sets the State Supplemental […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 5, 2025 House Republicans praised Gov. Kim Reynolds’ state government realignment efforts in Iowa as she testified at the U.S. House Oversight Hearing on Government Efficiency Wednesday while Democrats drew comparisons between Iowa’s actions and President Donald Trump’s moves to make the federal government more efficient. Reynolds was […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 5, 2025 Iowa pharmacists and advocates said Wednesday lawmakers need to pass legislation regulating pharmacy benefit managers, the third-party companies that negotiate prescription prices between health insurance companies, drug manufacturers and pharmacies, in order to keep small businesses and rural pharmacies in business. Subcommittees were held in both […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 5, 2025 A Senate subcommittee gave initial approval Wednesday to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposal to set a statewide minimum policy restricting students’ cellphone use in schools. The bill, Senate Study Bill 1065, would require school boards to adopt policies that, at minimum, ban use of personal electronic devices […]
