"Building collapses highlight capacity and neglect in Iowa and Florida"

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has requested federal assistance to deal with the aftermath of the Davenport building collapse, which killed three people and left another tenant with a leg amputation. Reynolds claims that the emergency measures required are beyond the capacity of the state and local governments, despite Iowa having a multibillion-dollar state budget and a $2 billion surplus. This claim is not surprising, as Iowa has previously turned down a $3 million federal grant for climate change action and failed to provide a $3 million match for child care funding. The state also lacks the capacity to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care and demand information from companies using dangerous chemicals.