Episode 44: Jon Van Wyk in Iowa House District 28

For this episode of the Caffeinated Thoughts Podcast, our host Shane Vander Hart talks to Jon Van Wyk, a Republican candidate from Sully who is running in the contested primary in Iowa House District 28.

Twenty-One Iowa Legislators to Retire in 2018

Twenty-one Iowa Legislators have decided not to run for reelection in 2018. The Iowa House will have 16 members retire after this session. Twelve Republicans and four Democrats will leave the House. The Iowa Senate Republicans will have two retirements and Democrats will see three.

Five Reasons Iowa Democrats Hope for a Blue Wave in 2018

Iowa Democrats hope for a historic blue wave in 2018 due to President Trump’s unpopularity, a competitive gubernatorial race, a good turnout for the mid-term Iowa Caucuses, the potential to flip Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, and the number of Republican state legislators retiring.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act Advances in Iowa Senate

Iowa’s version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) survived the first funnel week of the 2018 legislative session. SSB 3171, sponsored by State Senator Julian Garrett (R-Indianola) was passed out of the Iowa Senate Local Government Committee by a 7 to 4 vote.

Iowa Constitutional Amendment Affirming 2nd Amendment Survives Funnel

HJR 13, a “right to keep and bear arms” amendment that would amend the Iowa Constitution to add language affirming the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passed in the Iowa House Judiciary Committee.

Let’s Not Reinstate the Death Penalty in Iowa

Shane Vander Hart: While in principle, it is moral and just for the government to execute those convicted of heinous crimes, there are plenty of good reasons why Iowa should not reinstitute the death penalty after 52 years.

Iowa House Bill Would Authorize “Bible as Literature” in Public Schools

Eleven states allow the Bible to be taught as literature in their public schools, with Kentucky being one of the most recent. Should a bill, HF 2031, introduced in the Iowa House on Wednesday pass into law Iowa would join that number.

14 Democrats Vote Against Ban on Monitoring Devices in Public Restrooms

14 Iowa House Democrats voted against a ban on monitoring devices in public restrooms and locker rooms in public schools, libraries, and government offices.

Life At Conception Bill Filed in the Iowa House

State Representative Greg Heartsill (R-Chariton) introduced HF 279, a life at conception bill, into the Iowa House of Representatives, that is co-sponored by 22 lawmakers.

New Iowa House Bills Address Common Core, Smarter Balanced

State Rep. Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville) introduces bills in the Iowa House opposing Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards and Smarter Balanced.

Iowa House Republicans Optimistic on Opening Day

Iowa House Republicans are optimistic about the types of conservative reforms they can see go to the Governor’s desk with a GOP majority in the Senate.

Iowa Legislature Votes to Protect Women Who Conceive During Rape

The Iowa House and Iowa Senate passed HF 2386 which allows the court to terminate the parental rights of a person who perpetuated sexual abuse.

Life at Conception Bill Filed in the Iowa House

HF 2142, a bill that would protect the unborn at the moment of conception introduced into the Iowa House, must be passed out of committee this week.

Bill Banning Sale or Research on Unborn Infant Remains Advances in Iowa House

A bill that bans the sale and experimentation on unborn infant remains advanced out of an Iowa House subcommittee on Tuesday.

Caffeinated Thoughts Radio 5-23-15

Brian Myers and Shane Vander Hart talk to Alfonso Aguilar from American Principles in Action about the five-point immigration plan they released this week.

Branstad on Gas Tax Hike: Timing Is Right

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said that the timing is right for a gas tax hike while legislators consider transportation infrastructure funding options.