Iowa Politics

During this pandemic, one important thing we as leaders in the Iowa House can do is provide an example for our constituents. All public health experts say one of the most effective methods for mitigating COVID-19 is if everyone wears a face mask. Speaker Pat Grassley and many of my Republican colleagues are providing a […]

A mobile food pantry in Estherville was just forced to postpone its services because of an impending blizzard, according to the Dickinson County News. What does that mean for hungry Iowans? With the coronavirus public health emergency and its economic fallout, the derecho, and high heating bills during this cold, dark winter, many Iowans are […]

Iowans eager to contact the Governor about her new education proposals online were unwittingly spammed with a solicitation for campaign funds. Participation in the public debate has been heated around the Governor’s legislation that would take funding away from public schools and give that support to private schools instead. An internet poll created by the […]

After mentioning the topic in her condition of the state address, Gov. Kim Reynolds began her attack on public schools in earnest this week with two bills that would shift public tax dollars away from public schools, and create an unsafe working environment for educators and students. The Iowa Senate will consider one bill proposing […]

Still in the midst of an economically and socially devastating pandemic, Iowa could take another blow to how much money it has available to invest in critical public services and resources. In a Senate Ways and Means subcommittee meeting yesterday, Sens. Dan Dawson, Janet Peterson and Annette Sweeney signed off on a bill to repeal […]

Judicial boogeymen and false myths about abortion in Iowa were promoted by Republican officials and conservatives in a subcommittee meeting this morning as HSB 41, an anti-abortion amendment to the Iowa Constitution, was referred by Rep. Steven Holt to the full House Judiciary Committee.  The study bill proposes an amendment to the Iowa State Constitution […]

Governor Reynolds delivered a speech tonight that was detached from reality. The Governor refused to use her prime time speech to encourage Iowans to wear masks, practice social distancing, or to offer any plan for how vaccinations will be distributed at more than its current snail’s pace. The Governor offered platitudes and asked for a […]

Senate President Jake Chapman (R-Adel) Friends, family, colleagues, returning and newly-elected members, – It is my humble honor and privilege to welcome you to the 89th General Assembly. As we prepare to tackle the issues and challenges of today may we take a quick moment to reflect on our past? This year, we will celebrate […]

This year in communities all over Iowa, the holiday season kicked off with long lines of idling cars. Our neighbors were not waiting to see displays of Christmas lights. They were not lining up to be first for the best shopping deals. They were not stuck in bumper to bumper holiday traffic. All over our […]