145 Iowa National Guard Soldiers Are Back Home
(Iowa) — More Iowa National Guard soldiers are home after being deployed to Iraq and Syria. The Guard says 145 soldiers assigned to the Second Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, have returned to the US. They were serving in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, a mission aimed at promoting regional stability and reducing the capabilities of ISIS. Their return is part of a phased redeployment, meaning not all soldiers will return home at the same time to make sure the mission continues effectively. Details for a welcome home ceremony are still being organized.
Bill Restricting HHS From Rejecting Foster, Adoptive Parents Based On Beliefs About Sexuality, Gender Identity Heads To Governor’s Desk
(Iowa) — A bill that would prevent the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services from disqualifying foster or adoptive parents based on their beliefs about sexual orientation or gender identity is now headed to the governor’s desk. Supporters say any willing and capable family should be allowed to foster or adopt, while the bill’s opponents worry the caretakers’ beliefs could be imposed on children in the state’s care. The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday and now awaits final approval from Governor Kim Reynolds.
Landlords Protest Proposal That Would Create Higher Tax Rates For Apartments And Condos, Provision Removed From Bill
(Des Moines, IA) — Landlords showed up at the Capitol on Tuesday to protest one of the property tax reform proposals. A senate bill would have created a higher tax rate for apartments and condos. Tony Jacobson, a representative for Landlords of Iowa, says the higher taxes wouldn’t be absorbed by landlords and would fall on tenants. That provision was later removed from the bill, which now goes to the full house. The legislative session ended Tuesday, but leaders will continue to negotiate a property tax reform package.
Cedar Rapids Schools Suing State Over $18M In Funding Cuts
(Cedar Rapids, IA) — The Cedar Rapids Community School District is suing the state of Iowa. School District leaders say they want a judge to overturn a decision by the Iowa Department of Education to cut $18 million in funding for programs that support at-risk students. State officials say they made the cut after an anonymous complaint about abuse of funds in connection with a promotional event called the Superintendent’s Backyard Dinner. The District denies the accusations. Cedar Rapids Schools will vote Monday on a plan to consolidate schools and redraw attendance boundaries to eliminate a 12-million dollar deficit.
New Report Shows Iowa Electricity Prices Are 7th Lowest In Nation
(Iowa) — A new report shows Iowa has among the lowest prices for electricity in the country. The report by the American Legislative Exchange Council found that Iowans paid an average of nine-point-three-four-cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity in 2024. That is the seventh lowest in the nation. They say that as a net exporter of electricity, the state benefits from a generation mix dominated by wind and supported by coal and natural gas, which helps keep retail prices low. North Dakotans pay the least for electricity, while Hawaii and California have the highest prices.
