Former Candidate For Senate Endorses Josh Turek
(Des Moines, IA) — Former Senate candidate Nathan Sage is endorsing state Representative Josh Turek for the position instead. Sage ended his campaign as one of three Democrats running for U.S. Senate over the weekend. He says meeting with both Turek and the third candidate, state Representative Zach Wahls, made his decision to drop out and endorse Turek that much easier. The two remaining candidates are vying to replace Joni Ernst, who announced she would not seek reelection this year. U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson is the favorite in the Republican primary against Sioux City lawyer Jim Carlin.
Republicans Cancel Meeting Over Bill To Ban Abortions
(Des Moines, IA) — A subcommittee meeting to consider a ban of all abortions in Iowa is being canceled. State Rep. John Dunwell said in a statement to Iowa’s News Now that the landscape and timing are not optimal to advance the measure this session. Opponents were planning a protest outside the capital on Tuesday. The state still has a six week abortion ban codified into law. The proposed bill would have held doctors who performed abortions liable to felony charges with a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Proposal To Increase K-12 Funding By 2.25% Advances In House
(Des Moines, IA) — A proposal in the state House would raise K-12 funding by over two percent. A Senate bill to increase funding per pupil by one-point-seven-five percent was amended by the House Appropriations Committee to raise the number to two-point-two-five percent. Governor Kim Reynolds proposed a two-percent increase during her State of the State address. The amended bill passed with a 15-to-eight vote as Republican Brian Lohse was the only member to cross party lines in opposition. House Republicans insist the bill is responsible and sustainable but education advocates say the percentage increase would not prevent staff reductions and program cuts.
Iowa Legislature Considers Enhancing Security For Local Lawmakers
(Des Moines, IA) — There is a bipartisan push to enhance security for elected officials. Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair said in her Condition of the State address that lawmakers need to turn down the temperature on political rhetoric and, “disagree without being disagreeable.” Her comments followed the shooting deaths of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark last year. A proposal would allow elected officials to be redacted from county Assessor or Recorder documents and provide a reimbursement for home security systems purchased by lawmakers. House Minority Leader Brian Meyer says the proposal would be, “very helpful for all sides.”
Officials Investigate Fire At School Bus Barn
(Sumner, IA) — Officials are investigating a fire last week that damaged a fleet of school buses. The fire burned part of Sumner-Fredericksburg School District’s bus barn, equipment and multiple vehicles. Officials say the structure helped contain most of the damage due to its design with multiple compartments. Most of the damage was contained to a single stall. No injuries were reported in the fire.
