Politics

Banks struggle with ‘stress test’

Banks struggle with ‘stress test’

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Wall Street Journal, four of the biggest names on Wall Street struggled to pass the Federal Reserve’s 2015 “stress tests,” and the U.S. units of two foreign banks fell short, underscoring the constraint the annual exercise imposes on the largest banks […]

by · March 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Cops shot during Ferguson protest

Cops shot during Ferguson protest

By The Iowa Statesman   According to Reuters, two police officers were shot and wounded during a protest rally in Ferguson, MO, early on Thursday, hours after the city’s police chief resigned in the wake of a scathing U.S. Justice Department report finding his force was rife with racial bias. […]

by · March 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad launches Meerkat account

Branstad launches Meerkat account

By The Iowa Statesman   This morning, Gov. Terry Branstad announced the launch of the administration’s use of a mobile application that allows individuals to live-stream events through their account. Meerkat uses mobile devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, to broadcast events live to the account holder’s […]

by · March 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
The Big Story: Iowa Straw Poll leaving Ames (Updated)

The Big Story: Iowa Straw Poll leaving Ames (Updated)

By Bob Eschliman Editor   For decades, the Republican Party of Iowa has hosted the Iowa Straw Poll as a means of winnowing the field in advance of the first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucus. And, ever since the very first Straw Poll was held in 1979, it has been held on the […]

by · March 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Barbs fly (again) during House absentee ballot debate

Barbs fly (again) during House absentee ballot debate

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Tuesday was a fairly wild day in the Iowa Statehouse, but on Wednesday, in the Iowa House of Representatives cranked the intensity up another notch. The House remained calm through the first three of four bills it debated, House File 447, House File 468, and […]

by · March 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Senate Republicans appear disorganized during MHI debates

Senate Republicans appear disorganized during MHI debates

By Bob Eschliman Editor     The Iowa Senate Republican Caucus can now sympathize with Alexander Cooper, the protagonist in the classic children’s bo-turned family film “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Wednesday was a not-so-good day during afternoon floor debate of three bills, two of […]

by · March 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Smith proposes bill to ‘lift up retirees’

Smith proposes bill to ‘lift up retirees’

From Press Release   In an effort to keep Iowa retirees from relocating to tax friendly climates, Senator Roby Smith, R-Davenport, introduced legislation to phase out taxation on pensions, annuities and retirement accounts. “Iowa must step up to prevent losing our retirees to other states,” Senator Smith said. “The […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
USGS: Chances of 8.0 quake in California nearly doubled

USGS: Chances of 8.0 quake in California nearly doubled

By The Iowa Statesman   According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s latest California earthquake forecast, the estimated chance of that state experiencing a massive earthquake within the next 30 years has nearly doubled. In a press release Tuesday, the USGS said the Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, or UCERF3, […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Bill Watch: More than 1,500 bills introduced this session

Bill Watch: More than 1,500 bills introduced this session

Bob Eschliman Editor   Now that the first funnel dead has passed for the 2015 session of the Iowa General Assembly, the number of new bills being created will slow down substantially. The bill count this session now stands at 1,598. Most of the new bills created this week were […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
ATF backs down on AR-15 ammo

ATF backs down on AR-15 ammo

By The Iowa Statesman   In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced it was walking back on a proposed plan to remove the exemption for “green tip” AR-15 rounds used for sporting purposes. The statement said the formal commenting period […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Tempers flare during lengthy House floor debate

Tempers flare during lengthy House floor debate

By Bob Eschliman Editor   With 24 bills on the tentative debate schedule, Tuesday promised to be an exciting day in the North Wing of the Iowa Statehouse. The Iowa House of Representatives didn’t disappoint. The first bit of fireworks erupted during morning debate over House File 194, which proposes […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Senate works through busy, contentious day

Senate works through busy, contentious day

By Bob Eschliman Editor   As the fireworks were popping in the House of Representatives chamber, the South Wing of the Iowa Statehouse was seeing some political pyrotechnics of its own. The pugilistics began during debate of Senate File 1, which creates a second opportunity for Iowa-based companies that come […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Obama’s Christmas vacation cost $3.7M

Obama’s Christmas vacation cost $3.7M

By The Iowa Statesman   According to Judicial Watch, U.S. Air Force documents reveal the Obama family’s 2014 Christmas vacation to Honolulu, HI, cost taxpayers $3,672,798 in flight expenses alone. Costs for the trip to Hawaii, to the West Coast, and to Martha’s Vineyard last year, cost nearly $3 million alone […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Obama labels Venezuela ‘security threat’

Obama labels Venezuela ‘security threat’

By The Iowa Statesman   According to Reuters, President Obama earlier this week signed and issued an executive order, declaring Venezuela a national security threat and ordering sanctions against seven officials from the oil-rich country. But the move stes tensions between Washington and Caracas just as U.S. relations with Cuba, […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
General Assembly back at it today

General Assembly back at it today

By The Iowa Statesman   After the wild day the Iowa House and Senate had yesterday, legislators are back to debating bills again today. Between the two chambers, there are 23 new bills scheduled for debate. In the House, which is just now convening for the day, the tentative debate […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
‘Border Surge’ down slightly, but summer spike expected

‘Border Surge’ down slightly, but summer spike expected

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Los Angeles Times, the number of Central American children and families illegally crossing the southern border, particularly in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, is likely to be smaller this year than last, but large enough to overwhelm shelters and courts, new Border Patrol […]

by · March 11, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Analysis: Few proposed bills become law

Analysis: Few proposed bills become law

By The Iowa Statesman   Question: What percentage of individual bills introduced so far this legislative session in the Iowa General Assembly have been signed into law? The answer is coming, but first, a little explanation. Anyone who has ever been involved in the process to turn an idea into […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
ObamaCare premiums to see ‘significant spike’

ObamaCare premiums to see ‘significant spike’

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Washington Times, Obamacare exchange customers are about to see spikes in their premiums, the Congressional Budget Office predicted Monday, saying insurers that offer plans are facing twin pressures from the government and the marketplace that will mean hikes of than 8 […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Anti-bullying bill clears first legislative hurdle

Anti-bullying bill clears first legislative hurdle

By Bob Eschliman Editor   A major policy proposal made during Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s Condition of the State Address in January could find its way to floor debate in the House or Senate soon. House File 490, which is a successor bill to House Study Bill 39 offered at […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Illegals may get Social Security benefits

Illegals may get Social Security benefits

By The Iowa Statesman   According to the National Review, starting in 2017, the Social Security Administration expects that thousands of undocumented immigrants will begin collecting from the Old-Age, Survivor’s, and Disability Insurance program as a direct result of President Obama’s “executive amnesty.” In a letter to U.S. Sen. Ron […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Broadband bill moves out of House committee

Broadband bill moves out of House committee

By Bob Eschliman Editor   Last week, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s bill to facilitate broadband access in targeted areas of the state advanced out of a key House of Representatives committee. House File 576, a successor bill to House Study Bill 104, passed out of the House Commerce Committee last […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Busy day planned at Statehouse

Busy day planned at Statehouse

By The Iowa Statesman   The Iowa General Assembly has a busy day ahead of itself today. Nearly 50 bills will be debated and put up for a vote today in both chambers. In the Senate, which just passed 12 bills with overwhelming majorities yesterday, there are 23 bills on […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Navy chaplain fighting for his career

Navy chaplain fighting for his career

By The Iowa Statesman   According to our good friend, Todd Starnes at FOX News, a chaplain who once ministered to Navy SEALs could be thrown out of the military after he was accused of failing “to show tolerance and respect” in private counseling sessions in regards to issues pertaining […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
GOP Senators send letter to Iran

GOP Senators send letter to Iran

By The Iowa Statesman   According to Politico, a group of Republican senators gave Iranian leaders — and the president — a refresher on the constitutional balance of power. In a highly unusual move, a group of 47 Republicans in the upper chamber has written to Iran’s top leaders to […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Senate bill seeks study of ‘exchange wagering’

Senate bill seeks study of ‘exchange wagering’

By Bob Eschliman Editor   A bill offered last week in the Iowa Senate wants to explore a potential new source of income for casinos – which would, in turn, be a new source of revenue for the state. Senate Study Bill 1256, proposed by the Senate Committee on State […]

by · March 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Obama defends Iran nuke deal

Obama defends Iran nuke deal

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Wall Street Journal, President Obama said during a televised interview this weekend the U.S. and other world powers have offered Tehran “an extraordinarily reasonable” nuclear deal after efforts during the past week to move the negotiations forward and shore up support among […]

by · March 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
The Hill ranks ‘most vulnerable’ in U.S. Senate

The Hill ranks ‘most vulnerable’ in U.S. Senate

By The Iowa Statesman   The Hill, the newspaper of Capitol Hill, has updated its list of Top 10 “most vulnerable” senators who are up for re-election in 2016. With Republicans defending than twice as many seats as Democrats, it should come as no surprise that the GOP dominates […]

by · March 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Gowdy: Gaps in Clinton emails span months

Gowdy: Gaps in Clinton emails span months

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Hill, U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), the chairman of the House select committee investigating Benghazi, said that there is a period of missing Hillary Clinton es from her time as secretary of State spanning several months. “There are gaps of months, and […]

by · March 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad announces Iowa Financial Literacy Summit

Branstad announces Iowa Financial Literacy Summit

From Press Release   A great education includes knowing how to make smart, responsible financial decisions. As part of a statewide effort to improve students’ financial literacy skills, Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today announced they will host an Iowa Financial Literacy Summit […]

by · March 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
EC President proposes EU army

EC President proposes EU army

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Financial Times, the president of the European Commission has called for the creation of an EU army in order to show Russia “that we are serious about defending European values”. In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Jean-Claude Juncker, who leads […]

by · March 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Obama commemorates Selma marches

Obama commemorates Selma marches

By The Iowa Statesman   Yesterday, President Obama joined thousands of Americans at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who to part in the first of three marches for equal voting rights that to place […]

by · March 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
ISU students sign petition to ‘end women’s suffrage’

ISU students sign petition to ‘end women’s suffrage’

By The Iowa Statesman   Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, and to celebrate, students at Iowa State University enthusiastically support a women’s rights petition. But, as is the case these days, it’s pretty clear they didn’t know what they were supporting. Jake Dagel, Iowa Field Coordinator for the non-partisan Turning […]

by · March 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Iowa Ag Summit recap

Iowa Ag Summit recap

By Joel Kurtinitis Correspondent   The Iowa Ag Summit at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines has already provided plenty of fireworks, and it got started in the first few moments of the event when Iowa ag leader Bruce Rastetter kicked off his […]

by · March 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Cruz takes tough questions at Iowa Ag Summit

Cruz takes tough questions at Iowa Ag Summit

By Joel Kurtinitis Correspondent   Taking the stage with Iowa ag businessman Bruce Rastetter, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, a likely Republican presidential candidate, was immediately asked about the “elephant in the room,” his steadfast opposition to the Renewable Fuel Standard and the wind energy Production Tax Credit. He […]

by · March 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Bush comfortable, but uninspiring at Iowa Ag Summit

Bush comfortable, but uninspiring at Iowa Ag Summit

By Joel Kurtinitis Correspondent   Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush had his shot at the spotlight Saturday morning at Bruce Rastetter’s Iowa Ag Summit.  While his interview with Rastetter didn’t’ register much applause and lacked the laugh s presented by earlier candidates, Bush was clearly comfortable with the crowd and […]

by · March 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Rastetter opens Iowa Ag Summit with swipe at Cruz

Rastetter opens Iowa Ag Summit with swipe at Cruz

By Joel Kurtinitis Correspondent   Iowa ag leader Bruce Rastetter kicked off his Iowa Ag Summit with an apparent swipe at Texas U.S. Senator and outspen Renewable Fuel Standard critic Ted Cruz. Rastetter spe of Iowa’s responsibility to feed the world, declaring the agriculture industry to be of supreme importance […]

by · March 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Lew: Debt limit will be reached March 16

Lew: Debt limit will be reached March 16

By The Iowa Statesman   According to CNBC, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has informed Congress that unless it takes action, the U.S. will hit its debt limit on March 16, but his department intends to begin taking “extraordinary measures” to finance the government on a temporary basis before that. […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
CNN: Charges coming against Menendez

CNN: Charges coming against Menendez

By The Iowa Statesman   The Justice Department is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat, alleging he used his Senate office to push the business interests of a Democratic donor and friend in exchange for gifts According to CNN, which quoted anonymous […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
The Hill: Dems have Boehner’s back

The Hill: Dems have Boehner’s back

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Hill, a number of conservative Republicans, long wary of a lack of commitment on the part of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) regarding GOP efforts to undo several of President Obama’s policies, have openly considered a coup in an attempt […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Kids, parents defy Capitol Hill sledding ban

Kids, parents defy Capitol Hill sledding ban

By The Iowa Statesman   According to The Hill, dozens of children and their parents to to Capitol Hill Thursday afternoon to protest a controversial sledding ban. Capitol Police have refused to lift the sledding ban, but some parents organized a “sled in” on the west lawn of the Capitol […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Hillsdale now offering class on Constitution

Hillsdale now offering class on Constitution

By The Iowa Statesman   Hillsdale College is now offering one of its required undergraduate courses on the U.S. Constitution on. “The U.S. Constitution: A Reader” features 113 essential primary source documents, and is divided into eleven sections with introductions by members of Hillsdale’s Politics Department faculty, readings cover the […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Bertrand’s personhood bill offered

Bertrand’s personhood bill offered

By Bob Eschliman Editor   The long-promised personhood bill in the Iowa Senate was introduced Thursday just hours before the last opportunity to be considered by a committee. It did not pass out of committee prior to today’s funnel dead. In January, state Sen. Rick Bertrand (R-Sioux City) announced he […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
House bills propose changes to child support laws

House bills propose changes to child support laws

By Bob Eschliman Editor   A pair of bipartisan bills offered this week in the Iowa House seek to make substantial changes to the way Iowa Code deals with child support matters. House File 429, offered by state Reps. Deborah Berry (D-Waterloo) and Walt Rogers (R-Cedar Falls), would allow the […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Hunter proposes ‘review boards,’ cop cams

Hunter proposes ‘review boards,’ cop cams

By Bob Eschliman Editor   State Rep. Bruce Hunter (D-Des Moines) has offered two bills this week aimed at increasing scrutiny over law enforcement activities in Iowa. House File 495, the expansive of the two bills, would prohibit a security agent or law enforcement agency from engaging in racial […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Zaun, Behn offer bill to end tenure at universities

Zaun, Behn offer bill to end tenure at universities

By Bob Eschliman Editor   State Sens. Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) and Jerry Behn (R-Boone) have offered a bill this week that would direct the Iowa Board of Regents to prohibit the establishment of a tenure system “for any employee” at the universities under its oversight. Senate File 380 also provides […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Legislator’s bills target CAFOs

Legislator’s bills target CAFOs

By Bob Eschliman Editor   State Rep. Dan Kelley (D-Newton) offered than a dozen bills this week in the run-up to the first legislative funnel dead. Many of them are related to environmental concerns, but two in particular target large-scale animal feeding operations in Iowa. House File 483 would […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Senate Republicans offer two constitutional amendments

Senate Republicans offer two constitutional amendments

By Bob Eschliman Editor   The Iowa Senate Republican Caucus – all 24 members – have offered two amendments to the Iowa Constitution this week. The first, Senate Joint Resolution 10, proposes an amendment within a new Article XIII to the Constitution of the State of Iowa that relates to […]

by · March 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
House bill would allow industrial hemp production

House bill would allow industrial hemp production

By Bob Eschliman Editor   A bill offered this week by state Rep. John Forbes (D-Urbandale), a member of the Cannabidiol Implementation Interim Study Committee, would allow the production of industrial hemp with less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive element of marijuana. House File 470 requires the Iowa Department […]

by · March 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Possible ethics violations for Reid?

Possible ethics violations for Reid?

By The Iowa Statesman   In an exclusive report in The Washington Free Beacon, Lachlan Markay reports corporate donors to a green energy nonprofit operated by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s (D., Nev.) former staffers and a current campaign operative have received billions of dollars in federal loan guarantees and […]

by · March 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad signs six bills into law

Branstad signs six bills into law

From Press Release   Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following six bills into law: House File 123: an Act making a statutory correction to remove an inconsistency regarding the employment of the executive director of the Board of Educational Examiners. House File 159: an Act relating to the administration […]

by · March 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State