Browsing Tag

Iowa Constitution

60 posts

Let’s Get Real About Spending

John Hendrickson: Iowa policymakers should seriously consider a state spending limitation amendment. Strengthening Iowa’s spending limitation would finally place taxpayers first.

Pro-Life Leaders Ponder Iowa Post-Roe v. Wade

Pro-life leaders discuss what the battle over abortion will look like in Iowa should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.

Slow Spending In Iowa’s Constitution

John Hendrickson and Joseph Coletti: How can Iowa make sure its recent tax reform is fully implemented, including the adoption of fewer and lower tax rates in 2023? The only proven way to lower tax rates is with spending restraint.

Controlling State Government Spending in Iowa

John Hendrickson: Government spending is a concern to many Iowans. Individuals, families, and businesses across Iowa all follow a budget that is not guaranteed to increase every year, yet Iowa’s budget continues to grow. 

Assessing the 2018 Iowa Legislative Session: My Top Five Disappointments

Shane Vander Hart shares his top five disappointments with the 2018 Iowa legislative session which includes a failure to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act, deal with current academic standards, expand school choice, limit state spending, and pass an Article V petition in the Iowa Senate.

It’s Time for Marsy’s Law

Brenna Bird: By providing for them specifically in the Iowa Constitution, Marsy’s Law would affirm crime victims’ rights, and would require that legislation and other acts of the government honor and protect those rights. 

Mary Mascher’s Lame Attempt to Ban Private Schools and Homeschooling

State Representative Mary Mascher (D-Iowa City) unsuccessfully offered a constitutional amendment to replace the Right to Keep and Bear Arms resolution, that passed in the Iowa House, that would have effectively ended private school and homeschooling in the state.

Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment Passes Iowa House

The Iowa House passed HJR 2009, 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, by a 54 to 42 vote.

Iowa Senate Acts to Reform Judicial Branch

The Iowa Senate voted 26-24 on SF 2282, a bill that would require a concurrence of at least five justices on the Iowa Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional.

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.

Time to Strengthen Iowa’s 99% Spending Limitation

John Hendrickson: Iowa taxpayers deserve constitutional protection, and the best way to do this is to protect taxpayer interests through a stronger spending limit.  

The Iowa Supreme Court’s Overreach on Courthouse Gun Bans

The Iowa Supreme Court’s ban on guns in Iowa’s courthouses is in conflict with HF 517 and positions counties to not be in compliance with the new state law.

The Forgotten Rules, Regulations, and Costs of Fees on Iowa Taxpayers

John Hendirckson: Iowa taxpayers should be protected by a constitutional amendment that requires tax and fee increases to pass the Legislature with a supermajority.

Partisan Politics at Play in Iowa Gubernatorial Transition Debate

Shane Vander Hart: Partisan politics is the only thing that can explain Attorney General Tom Miller change of mind about Kim Reynolds’ ability to appoint a new Lt. Governor.

Iowa Senate Approves Constitutional Amendment to Limit State Spending

The Iowa Senate passed 38-10 passed a constitutional amendment, SJR 9, that would add to the Iowa Constitution a state general fund expenditure limitation.

State Budget Must Be Treated Like a Family Budget

Jack Whitver: Passing a constitutional amendment to place the 99 percent expenditure limitation into the state constitution is advantageous for Iowa.