Bill To Maintain Budget Spending Levels Advances In Legislature
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill that would establish protocols if the legislature can’t pass a budget is advancing. Iowa Republican lawmakers powered the proposal through subcommittee in order to keep it in consideration before hitting expiration deadlines in the state legislature. The Senate bill would keep the budget at its status quo if a new budget isn’t reached by June 30th. Lawmakers say it would prevent a government shutdown. Democrats argue that Republicans are “injecting D.C.-style politics into Iowa.”
Bill Would Require Commercial Truck Drivers To Pass English Test
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill in the Iowa House would force truck drivers to pass an English test. The bill passed subcommittee on Tuesday and now goes to the full House Transportation Committee. It would prohibit the Iowa Department of Transportation from issuing a commercial driver’s license to an applicant who can’t read or speak English proficiently. A member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association says the bill would improve roadway safety and address what a spokesperson called, “a decline in professionalism.”
Bill To Expand Sale Of Raw Milk Advances
(Des Moines, IA) — A bill to expand the sale of raw milk and cottage foods is advancing. A House subcommittee passed the three-pronged bill which would also establish a license system for farm-to-table events. The license would cost an annual fee of 100-dollars and would allow more events to be held under the supervision of inspectors. Opponents say the state already has licenses for home food processors and there is no need for the amendment. The provision to allow the sale of unpasteurized milk would expand the current law that only allows sales from a raw milk farm. The bill would also expand the sale of cottage foods at stores with proper labeling and packaging.
Former First Lady Of Iowa Dies At Age 97
(Des Moines, IA) — Drake University is announcing the death of former Iowa first lady Billie Lee Ray. Ray was the wife of late Governor Robert D. Ray. She died on Wednesday at the age of 97. Most of her philanthropic work, including co-funding the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, took place at Drake University. Billie Ray was a native of Des Moines and attended Roosevelt High School where she met Robert before they both attended Drake University.
Lawmakers Propose Renaming Highway 30 For Slain Soldier
(Marshalltown, IA) — Lawmakers are proposing a section of Highway 30 should be renamed to honor Nate Howard. Staff Sergeant Nate Howard was killed on December 13th in Syria. He was a member of the Iowa National Guard and the son of Meskawaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn. The highway designation would permanently honor Howard’s service and link his name to the community forever. Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres of Cedar Rapids also died in the attack.
