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.

I Voted For Collective Bargaining Reform to Save Iowa’s Schools

State Representative Ken Rizer (R-Marion): I was proud to vote for public sector collective bargaining reform. I voted for this bill for one overriding reason: to save Iowa’s public schools.

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.

Iowa State Legislators Share Their Goals for Session

Several Iowa State Legislators share with Caffeinated Thoughts their goals for the 2015 legislative session for the 86th Iowa General Assembly.

GOP Offers Mixed Reaction to Branstad’s Condition of the State

Republican state legislators and party officials offered a mixed reaction to Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s 2015 Condition of the State address.