(Des Moines, IA) — A bill in the Iowa House proposes a ten thousand dollar raise for Iowa’s Governor, statewide elected officials, and members of the Legislature, marking the first increase for the positions since 2005 and 2007. The bill also includes annual cost of living increases for these officials and legislators. Lawmakers express concerns about voting for a pay raise but emphasize the importance of diverse representation in the Legislature to avoid it becoming a domain only for the affluent or retired. However, the bill’s passage remains to be determined as disagreements persist among legislators and the Governor’s office.
Meanwhile, Iowa is on the brink of implementing statewide regulations for automated traffic cameras as a bill heads to the Governor’s desk. The legislation passed by the House and Senate focused on cameras targeting speeders. Marion, for instance, already operates two stationary traffic cameras, with Police Chief Mike Kitsmiller noting their positive impact on road safety. However, concerns have arisen regarding potential misuse and the allocation of revenue generated by these cameras. The bill aims to address these issues by restricting the use of funds from traffic camera citations, mandating a permit process, and requiring data justification for each camera’s placement.
