Tuition Freeze On Iowa Universities Passes In State House
(Des Moines, IA) — The state House is passing a bill to freeze tuition increases at state universities. The bill would freeze increases for resident undergrads for the next five years. It passed by a wide margin of 86-to-five. Officials with the University of Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa say the bill could cause a 186-million dollar loss of revenue. Tuitions at state universities are currently four-times higher now than they were in 2000.
Bird Flu Detected in Van Buren And Keokuk Counties
(Des Moines, IA) — The Department of Agriculture says new cases of bird flu have been detected in Iowa. The infections were detected in Van Buren and Keokuk counties. Poultry producers are being asked to enhance biosecurity practices and the Department of Agriculture is providing resources on its website. The Center for Disease Control says the risk to the general public remains low. Any questions about the risks from bird flu can be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Subcommittee Advances Bill To Freeze Property Taxes For Seniors
(Des Moines, IA) — A state Senate subcommittee is pushing a bill to freeze property taxes on seniors. The bill would cap property tax growth for cities at two percent for homeowners 65 and older. It contains some of the policies pushed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The bill would also give county supervisors power to appoint auditors, treasurers and recorders, which are currently positions decided by voters. The topic of property taxes has been a focal point of the legislative session since Reynolds mentioned it in her Condition of the State address.
House Passes Bill For Drug Free Zones Around Homeless Service Buildings
(Des Moines, IA) — The state House is passing a bill to create drug free zones around homeless service buildings. It would allow aggravated misdemeanor charges against providers who allow drug use within 300-feet of such buildings. Providers would also be barred from applying for state homelessness assistance grants for three years. They could avoid punishment if the employees who allowed the drug use are fired. An executive with Homeward in Des Moines says the zone could extend to neighboring homes and businesses and make it hard for providers to monitor those places.
Dozens Of Cats Rescued After Animal Welfare Check
(Johnston, IA) — More than 30 cats are receiving care after being rescued from a Johnston home. The 34 cats are at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa after Johnston Police conducted an animal welfare check in December. The felines were found suffering from upper respiratory infections, fleas, dental issues and ear mites. A 35-year-old woman was arrested and charged with animal neglect on Wednesday. Some of the cats are up for adoption while others are still receiving treatment.
