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Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Kim Reynolds signs natural disaster assistance bill into law
Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke about the state's flood emergency response and recovery efforts during a news conference at the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston June 23, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 619 into law Tuesday, the bill providing funds for the state's recovery efforts for 2024 floods and tornadoes as well as making changes to Iowa's response system for future disasters. The bill provides $13.6 million from the Iowa Economic Emergency Fund retroactively for fiscal year 2025 for response efforts to severe flooding and tornadoes. Reynolds said in a statement the bill will help Iowans and communities recovering from the major disasters in the past year that impacted more than 5,000 homes across the state. 'The tenacity of Iowans has been tested over the past year,' Reynolds said in a statement. 'Our state faced devastating natural disasters in the spring of 2024—strong tornadoes and widespread flooding affected tens of thousands of Iowa families. To put it in perspective, our state was granted three Presidential disaster declarations in just two months. During this time of recovery, our relief programs have proven vital for Iowa families and communities to regain their footing and restart their lives.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The legislation, introduced by the governor, was highlighted as one of her top priorities for the 2025 legislative session during her Condition of the State address in January. A majority of funding from the bill, $11.6 million, goes to the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program launched by the state in July. The other $2 million goes to the Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Fund, which helps tear down buildings that damaged beyond repair by natural disasters. The law also will extend tax exclusions for developers building new housing in areas impacted by recent natural disasters. The measure includes other components that Reynolds and lawmakers have said will help Iowa better respond to future natural disasters, including allowing the Iowa Department of Management to access 10% of the state's Economic Emergency Fund each fiscal year for disaster recovery efforts when the governor issues a disaster proclamation. The legislation also establishes the Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing program, a new loan program through the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Iowa Finance Authority, to provide funding for 'ongoing risk mitigation' projects that can help Iowa communities reduce damage in future severe weather events. There was some pushback in subcommittee meetings on a component of the bill requiring appraisers, independent adjusters and umpires to be licensed to assess property damages. Advocates representing parties involved in the industry said most states do not have licensure in this field and could lead to fewer independent adjusters and umpires — the professionals who serve as a neutral party assessing damages and property value during insurance claim processes — practicing in Iowa. The measure was not changed by lawmakers. The law is effective immediately. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republican state Sen. Mike Bousselot of Ankeny officially exploring governor run in 2026
Republican state Sen. Mike Bousselot is officially exploring a run for Iowa governor in 2026. Bousselot, a 42-year-old Republican who represents Ankeny, announced in an April 21 news release that he is forming an exploratory campaign as he considers seeking higher office. Bousselot's move is the most definitive of any potential gubernatorial candidate since Gov. Kim Reynolds announced April 11 that she would not seek another term. In a statement announcing his intention to explore running for governor, Bousselot praised Reynolds for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as "bringing economic opportunity for all Iowa families and keeping our communities safe." More: 'A wide-open race': How Kim Reynolds' surprise decision shakes up Iowa's 2026 elections "The next governor has big shoes to fill," he said. "I am honored by the calls asking me to consider running for governor. I am exploring this run because our next governor of Iowa should be a leader who listens to the people, acts on principle and works tirelessly to deliver results." Bousselot, an attorney, was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022 after previously serving one term in the Iowa House. Before holding elected office, he worked for former Gov. Terry Branstad as a policy adviser and chief of staff. He also worked in the Iowa Department of Management under Reynolds. "I am pleased Mike Bousselot is considering running for governor," Branstad said in a statement. "I have known Mike since 2009. He has served in the executive branch, as a successful entrepreneur in the private sector, and as a legislator in the state House and state Senate. Mike worked hand-in-hand with President Trump's team during the president's first term, and he will be a fighter for President Trump again. Mike has the work ethic, vision and character necessary to lead Iowa to an even brighter future." Bousselot was raised in Davenport. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Drake University Law School. He chairs the Commerce Committee in the Iowa Senate and serves on the Judiciary, State Government, Appropriations and Ways and Means committees. "Our GOP nominee must be someone who will hold the line on affordability for Iowans, stand with President Trump and ensure the best days for Iowa are ahead," Bousselot said. "I've seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our state. I'm ready to fight for Iowa families, secure our communities and ensure our state remains a place where hard work is rewarded and freedom thrives." A host of other Iowa Republicans are considering the possibility of a campaign for governor in 2026 — the first time Republicans are without an incumbent on the ballot since 2010. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said he and his family are "thoughtfully discussing" the possibility of running for governor "and keeping all options on the table." Attorney General Brenna Bird has hinted that she is weighing a bid for governor, saying she and her husband "will pray and consider what (Reynolds') decision means for our future." House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, said he's "not ruling anything out." And state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, has said he's considering a campaign. Former state Rep. Brad Sherman, a Williamsburg pastor and a Republican, launched his campaign for governor before Reynolds' announcement. Three of Iowa's U.S. representatives, Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra, have been discussed as possible candidates. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks on April 15 ruled out the possibility of running for governor. On the Democratic side, state Auditor Rob Sand is expected to run for governor, although he has not announced a campaign. Sand raised more than $8.5 million in 2024, boosted by $7 million in donations from his wife and in-laws, fueling speculation about a run for higher office. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@ or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GOP state Sen. Mike Bousselot officially exploring 2026 governor run
