Nikoel Hytrek

Republicans in the Iowa Senate made a change to debate rules that blocked senators from introducing amendments to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ bill that would direct millions in taxpayer money to private schools. This change is meant to limit debate and to prevent Democrats—or other Republicans—from offering any changes to the bill such as introducing income…

Gov. Kim Reynolds’ private school voucher bill is ready for debate on the Iowa Senate floor after passing through Thursday’s Senate Appropriations Committee meeting on a party-line 12-6 vote. The Iowa House advanced the bill on Wednesday and both chambers are set to debate the bill on Monday. During the Appropriations Committee meeting, Democrats and…

Gov. Kim Reynolds’ private school voucher bill has passed two more milestones on its way to becoming law. The bill passed through the Senate Education Committee Wednesday morning with an 11-5, party-line vote. It has not been decided when the bill will appear on the floor for debate, but a hearing in the Appropriations Committee…

In her Condition of the State address Tuesday evening, Gov. Kim Reynolds called for more taxpayer money to go toward a program aimed at preventing abortions. Passed last year, the More Options for Maternal Support bill (MOMs), directed $500,000 in state funding to nonprofit organizations that “have a commitment to promoting healthy pregnancies and childbirth…

As a medical doctor, new Iowa Rep. Austin Baeth (D-Des Moines) has met a lot of everyday Iowans and listened to them talk about their issues. Their stories, and those skills, are things he plans to bring to the chambers of the Iowa Legislature this year. “In general, I hope to put a lot of…

Most of Sen. Janice Weiner’s (D-Iowa City) life has been dedicated to public service. Serving her community is how she was raised, her personal philosophy, the majority of her life experience, and part of her Jewish values. “I view myself as a lifelong public servant,” she said. “And to me, this is part of continuing…

During opening day speeches on Monday, legislative leaders in the House and Senate offered a preview of their goals for education policy this year, with Republicans making it clear they intend to pass a school voucher bill. Sen. Amy Sinclair (R-Allerton), the new Iowa senate president, set the tone about the necessity for the state…

Incoming Iowa Rep. Jeff Cooling (D-Cedar Rapids), a newly elected legislator who begins his service today, said he’s most looking forward to bringing his common sense, real-world perspective on labor and workers’ issues to the Iowa Legislature, and to learning new things. “Definitely being on the Labor Committee is a real big honor for me,”…

Nationwide, senior citizens on Medicare won’t have to pay more than $35 a month for their insulin, a new law taking effect this week after President Joe Biden signed it last year. But that’s little comfort for the many younger Iowans and those with private insurance who rely on insulin, and who aren’t on Medicare.…

Thanks to federal legislation, another manufacturer is returning to Iowa. The Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy plant in Fort Madison is now rehiring workers and plans to restart production next year. The company produces wind turbine blades in Southeast Iowa and was a large employer in the region. It wouldn’t have been possible without the Inflation…