Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law making it a crime for some undocumented migrants to be in the state, similar to Texas' controversial law, with the Mexican government planning to explore legal options to defend the rights of Mexicans in Iowa. The Biden administration pointed to the stalled effort to pass a bipartisan border security bill in Congress as a roadblock to addressing the issue, while local immigrant rights groups have protested the legislation, stating that Iowa is home for all and criticizing the governor's actions.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" into law at a Christian conservative event, sparking controversy as opponents argue it could lead to discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ individuals. The law, which took effect immediately, aims to protect religious freedom but has drawn criticism for potentially enabling discrimination in various scenarios. Supporters believe it provides a fair balance for religious freedom, while opponents, including LGBTQ rights advocates and some major business groups, argue that religious freedom is already protected as a fundamental right and that the law could lead to selective obedience of laws.
Iowa lawmakers have passed a bill imposing stricter regulations on consumable hemp products, including a 4mg THC limit per serving and a 21-year-old age threshold for purchase, which now awaits Gov. Kim Reynolds' signature. The bill also increases penalties for violating hemp laws, prohibits synthetic THC, and requires warning labels on consumable THC products. Supporters argue it's necessary for industry and consumer safety, while opponents fear it will hinder local businesses and access to medical THC products in Iowa.
The Iowa House has passed a bill raising the minimum teacher salary to $47,500, marking a nearly 50% increase for starting teachers and the largest teacher pay increase in the state’s history. This move aims to elevate Iowa to 12th in the nation for average teacher pay, with Governor Kim Reynolds pushing for a further increase to $50,000 by 2026. The bill also includes pay raises for non-salaried school employees, such as paras, bus drivers, and administrative staff. Despite the positive development, school districts are still awaiting clarity on state funding as the education budget remains pending.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds stood with Texas Governor Greg Abbott at a news conference in Eagle Pass, Texas, expressing support for Texas' defiance of a Supreme Court order regarding the southern border. This move has drawn criticism from advocates who believe Reynolds should focus on Iowa's needs and let the federal government handle border security. Other state leaders have also expressed support for Texas, while Reynolds plans to host a news briefing upon her return from Texas.
Iowans are divided over Governor Kim Reynolds' proposed AEA reform bill, with supporters arguing for increased oversight and flexibility to address low test scores for students with special needs, while opponents fear a complete overhaul of a system that has been working for 50 years. The bill has passed out of its subcommittee in the Senate but has not advanced in the House, with lawmakers expressing the need for more discussion before making a decision.
Governor Kim Reynolds proposed reforming Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to focus solely on special education services, but after meeting with educational leaders and lawmakers, she revised her proposal to allow districts to control whether they use AEA services or reroute funding to other providers. Reynolds claims that AEAs have expanded beyond special education, but a Legislative Services Agency report contradicts this. Reynolds also argues for reform based on the poor performance of Iowa's special education programs overseen by AEAs, citing consistently low rankings in national assessments. However, a fact check reveals that Iowa's students with special needs do lag behind their peers in most other states.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Sioux County, making it the 11th reported case in Iowa since November and the 17th case this year. The CDC states that HPAI does not pose a public health risk, and it is safe to consume poultry products. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation to provide state resources for tracking, monitoring, containment, and disinfection. Signs of HPAI in birds include increased deaths, lethargy, decreased egg production, and respiratory symptoms. If you suspect your flock may be affected, report it to the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
Public health officials in Iowa are urging caution and vaccination as COVID-19 cases trend upward in the state. More than half of Iowa's counties have seen a moderate increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 compared to the previous week. Governor Kim Reynolds has stated that COVID-19 mandates and restrictions will not be implemented in Iowa. Local health leaders emphasize the importance of being a good neighbor and following preventive measures such as covering coughs, washing hands, and staying home when sick. While mass requirements are unlikely, public health experts believe these precautions are necessary.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the youngest candidate seeking the Republican nomination, rapped to Eminem's "Lose Yourself" at Gov. Kim Reynolds' Fair-Side Chat at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Ramaswamy, who has made reaching out to young voters a priority, expressed that the song was his favorite walk-out song at political events. His campaign has been successful in attracting young people, as observed by a volunteer who noted the significant number of young people approaching the campaign booth.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has requested the state Supreme Court to lift the block on the abortion ban, which was temporarily halted by a lower court. Reynolds, a Republican, signed the law earlier this year, banning most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. The ban has faced legal challenges, and a district court judge issued a temporary injunction in May, blocking the law from taking effect. The case is now being reviewed by the state Supreme Court, and Reynolds is urging them to allow the ban to proceed.
Abortion providers in Iowa have filed a lawsuit to block a new law passed by state Republicans that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, took immediate effect, further limiting access to abortions in the Midwest. This comes after a previous attempt to enforce a similar ban was blocked by the state supreme court. Reproductive justice advocates criticized the special session called by Reynolds to pass the ban, accusing Republicans of using "dirty tricks" to restrict reproductive freedom. The lawsuit is expected to reach the Iowa supreme court, which previously ruled that the state constitution does not guarantee the right to abortion.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, has signed a strict abortion ban into law, which prohibits most abortions after cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. The law was immediately challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood, who sought to temporarily block it. This move adds Iowa to a list of Republican-led states that have recently moved to ban or restrict abortion since the Supreme Court's decision to leave the matter to the states. The ban also limits abortion access for women in neighboring states with similar bans. The law takes effect immediately, but its enforcement may be suspended pending the outcome of the legal case.
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.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a statement in response to the indictment of former President Donald Trump by the U.S. Department of Justice, stating that it represents a warning sign for the state of equal justice and public trust in government institutions in the country. Reynolds also criticized the Biden administration's weaponization of the Justice Department and expressed concern about the impact on Americans' confidence in law enforcement institutions.
