Iowa Legislature

IowaWatch Connection: Payday Loans

For many who are in trouble financially, their only option is to get money from a payday loan or "E-Z cash" business. But the fees, charges and interest that go with that can lead to big trouble down the road.

By Jeff Stein

/ 22 Dec 2014

Governor Says Medicaid Funding Decision For Abortions Would Be Tough, But He Could Make It

One decision that state law says Iowa's governor has to make has eluded Gov. Terry Branstad: whether or not to reimburse University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for Medicaid-funded abortions. It would be a tough decision, and he could make it, Branstad said in an IowaWatch interview, but he would n

By Jacob Luplow

/ 11 Jul 2014

Governor Says Medicaid Funding Decision For Abortions Would Be Tough, But He Could Make It

Contradicting Studies On Traffic Camera Safety Impact Make Regulation A Judgment Call

The “on-the-one-hand, on-the-other-hand” mix of conclusions from studies and opinions about those controversial traffic cameras has left state lawmakers with this simple fact: Their decision will be a judgment call, not an action on something evident that needs to be fixed.

By Kelsey Block

/ 20 Mar 2014

Contradicting Studies On Traffic Camera Safety Impact Make Regulation A Judgment Call

Governor Puts Focus on Veterans, Student Debt Reduction, Broadband Expansion In Legislative Program

Branstad Also Lays Out Hopes For A Better-Wired Iowa And Anti-Bullying Proposal In Condition Of State Address

By Lyle Muller, Linh Ta, Lauren Mills, Katie Kuntz and Sarah Hadley

/ 14 Jan 2014

Governor Puts Focus on Veterans, Student Debt Reduction, Broadband Expansion In Legislative Program

IowaWatch Interview: Branstad Willing To Use Position To Keep Legislative Agenda On Track

Despite talk about bipartisanship, the Iowa legislative session started with party leaders voicing different agendas, but Gov. Terry Branstad remaining confident in an IowaWatch interview that the session would stay

By IowaWatch staff

/ 13 Jan 2014

IowaWatch Interview: Branstad Willing To Use Position To Keep Legislative Agenda On Track

American Chemistry Council Targets States, Including Iowa, In Toxic Reform Battles

A new Center for Public Integrity report details a vigorous campaign by a chemical production industry that is in full gear to smother toxics reform bills filed in states across the country, Iowa included.

By Ronnie Greene/Center for Public Integrity

/ 9 Sep 2013

American Chemistry Council Targets States, Including Iowa, In Toxic Reform Battles

Sunshine Week message: Open Government Makes us Better Citizens

Commentary Don’t expect movement in the state Senate on a House bill that would keep secret the names and addresses of people seeking gun permits in Iowa. “I’m

By Lyle Muller

/ 13 Mar 2013

Sunshine Week message: Open Government Makes us Better Citizens