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The Iowa Legislative Black Caucus, led by Rep. Ras Smith, has issued a response to Gov. Kim Reynolds, calling on her to put forward anti-racial profiling legislation, and to veto legislation that has been stripped of that language that she’s currently considering. Smith started the conference with this statement: “The path to racial equality is […]
Legislation proposed by Republicans in the Iowa House of Representatives would define what diversity training programs are allowed to teach in schools, about racism and sexism, banning discussion of any so-called “divisive” topics. The bill, House Study Bill 258, has no language preventing discussion about ideas or questions that come up during diversity training, but […]
Over the weekend, every Republican in the House voted against the clear wishes of their constituents when they voted against the American Rescue Plan. With their votes, Republicans made it more likely people get infected with the virus and less likely they get health care if they do. Americans know that this rescue plan creates […]
Despite almost 50,000 continuing unemployment claims in Iowa, legislation to alter and reduce unemployment insurance pushes forward, with those thousands of Iowans set to suffer as a result. SSB 1172 requires a one-week waiting period before someone who is unemployed can receive benefits, it lowers the amount paid to people with multiple dependents and it […]
A voter suppression bill is on its way to the desk of Governor Kim Reynolds less than a week after being introduced, and following a contentious debate pointing out the numerous ways it will curb access to early voting. Iowa is one of dozens of states with proposed legislation to make early voting and voting […]
Legislation that would restrict the ability of Iowans to vote is part of a national effort to suppress voter turnout, according to a report released by Progress Iowa. The report, National Voter Suppression Efforts Come to Iowa, explains the impact of the law. It also lists states with similar or related legislative proposals. “As troubling […]
Public education has long been the foundation of our state. For generations, Iowans could count on a great public education from Iowa schools to set them up for success in life. When we were growing up, our public education system regularly led national rankings. Today, however, many Iowans are watching with dismay as a decade […]
Legislation that would slash support for workers who need it most is moving forward with Republican support at the state capitol, all while a pandemic that drove people from the workplace, transitioned many into working from home and cost many others their jobs is still raging. At the subcommittee meeting where the legislation was discussed, […]
Legislation introduced this week would increase but limit the amount of money awarded in a trial against a health care provider, doing away with a jury’s input. Currently, the amount recoverable in medical malpractice suits for noneconomic damages like pain, disability, disfigurement and trauma is capped at $250,000 unless a jury decides more is warranted. […]
In a continued crusade against the rights of transgender Iowans, a bill to discourage education about gender identity was heard in an education subcommittee yesterday. Senate File 167 states that curriculum for kindergarteners can’t include any instruction relating to gender identity. For grades one through six, parents or guardians have to give their written consent […]
