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Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa lawmakers issue statements marking end of 2025 legislative session
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — The 2025 Iowa legislative session has come to an end, and lawmakers are sharing their final thoughts on the work they did this year. Closing statements from three state senators, the governor and the lieutenant governor are all included below. Iowa Senate Democratic leader State Sen. Janice Weiner: 'This was a session marked by division, special interest giveaways, and partisanship. There were limited occasions when the people's interests were truly served in the Senate chamber. Senate Democrats offered a number of opportunities for the majority party to join us in reducing costs, improving access to critical services and resources, and prioritizing Iowa's working families. I believe government works best when we work together, bridge divides, and work for the common good of Iowans – unfortunately, that was all too rare. Senate Democrats will continue to offer a positive alternative as we fight for lower costs, well-funded public schools, economic security for workers, and a better deal for ALL Iowans.' Story continues below Top Story: Iowa lawmakers issue statements marking end of 2025 legislative session Lights & Sirens: 24-year-old woman dies, baby injured in Lincoln County, SD, crash Sports: Northwestern softball eliminated from NAIA Tournament with 10-2 loss to Marian Iowa Senate President State Sen. Amy Sinclair: 'The 2025 session of the 91st Iowa General Assembly has been marked by a number of pieces of common-sense legislation. As I spoke about when we opened session, Iowans made a choice, and they chose common sense. 'This year, we passed common-sense legislation to allow Iowa businesses to keep more of their money to reinvest in growth, wages, and employee benefits. This legislation cuts taxes by $1 billion. That's $1 billion businesses will invest in our economy. It's common sense to take less from Iowans and allow the market to dictate how to invest in our state. 'We continued to enact common-sense laws to restore and protect the rights of Iowans. We took additional measures to secure our elections, protecting a fundamental right of our citizens. Iowans can continue to believe in Iowa's elections and know our elections meet the highest levels of integrity. We repealed an antiquated law regarding the manner of firearms conveyance. No longer do Iowans need to be concerned about whether or not they are in compliance when exercising their right to protect themselves while traveling. It's common sense to protect the rights of law-abiding Iowans. 'It's common sense. There is dignity in work, and the vast majority of Iowans know this. Having a sense of purpose and accomplishment is not only good for one's well-being, but it is good for our state. Enacting policies that help put people back to work, like work requirements for able-bodied Iowans on assistance programs, provides opportunities for Iowans to earn a living, find a sense of purpose, and contribute to the growth of our economy. I'm proud of the work we did to enact legislation to this effect. It's common sense that there is satisfaction in a good day's work. 'As we return to our regular lives at home, I wish each of you the best this interim. I hope you all take pride in the common-sense legislation we passed this year, knowing we continue to make Iowa the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to seeing you all back next session as we continue our work on behalf of Iowans. Thank you, may God bless you all and continue His blessing on the State of Iowa.' Nebraska Legislature: Personal devices, lab grown meat bans heading to governor's desk Iowa Senate Majority Leader State Sen. Jack Whitver: 'At the start of this legislative session, we told Iowans, 'We hear you.' We hear your concerns about the high costs in our everyday lives, the concerns about costs and access to health care, and concerns about safe communities. Iowans have consistently told us time and time again they support our agenda and the work we have done. I am proud to say throughout the 2025 legislative session, we continued building on those accomplishments to make Iowa the best state for families to live and grow in. 'We addressed a wide range of issues this year as Iowans brought us their concerns, their stories of successes or struggles, and their experiences and expertise. We passed bills on the biggest priorities of Iowans, including education, health care, and public safety. We always are putting the taxpayers first, and it consistently showed as we passed bills to protect our freedoms, budget responsibly, and fund important priorities. 'The Iowa economy and specifically the agricultural economy is under a lot of pressure from outside issues. The legislature responded by implementing another nearly billion-dollar tax cut for Iowa small businesses. A few years ago, the legislature reformed the unemployment system, and it was a huge success. The number of Iowans on unemployment dropped by half, and the time they spent on unemployment also dropped by half. This success created a massive surplus in the trust fund to pay unemployment claims. This session the legislature reduced those unemployment taxes on businesses by nearly a billion dollars. Every dollar goes back to Iowa employers so they can invest in their workers, their business, and their communities. 'On the topic of jobs and work, the legislature also passed a bill requiring people on taxpayer-funded health care to work at least 80 hours a month if they are able-bodied and do not fit one of several exemptions of caring for young children or elderly parents, going to school, or medically exempt. Work has both tangible and intangible benefits to both individuals, their families, and our communities at large. Further, taxpayer-funded health care should be preserved for those Iowans truly in need and not a permanent plan for someone able to work. 'With our historic flat tax going into effect this year, ways we can continue to help hard-working families and taxpayers remains our focus. Protecting the tax relief measures we have passed is one we can do that, and that is why the Senate passed SJR 11. It requires a two-thirds majority in order to increase taxes in Iowa, making it harder for politicians to take more money out of the pockets of Iowans and protecting the historic tax relief bills for generations to come. '2025 was another successful year for Republicans in the legislature. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to conservative values, common-sense solutions, and making Iowa a better place for all.' Boyden-Hull School District sends off three, retiring teachers with celebration Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds: 'I'm proud of the work we did this session to expand on the strong foundation we've built over the last several years in healthcare, education, and tax reform. We prioritized rural and maternal healthcare and created a new physician pipeline that will result in 460 new medical residents over the next four years. We invested in cancer research and, for the first time in Iowa history, established a parental leave program for state employees alongside 24 other states and the federal government. We took steps to improve math and civics proficiency among Iowa students and removed digital distractions from the classroom so they can focus on learning. We cut taxes for the sixth time—this time reducing unemployment insurance taxes by half—resulting in nearly $1 billion in savings over five years for businesses of all sizes. 'To keep taxes low and ensure Iowans keep more of what they earn, we passed a responsible, balanced budget that puts taxpayers first and keeps Iowa on a strong, fiscally sustainable path. Some have claimed Iowa is facing a deficit. Let's be clear: this isn't a deficit—it's the result of the state collecting more from taxpayers than it needed. Now we're giving it back. That's what the Taxpayer Relief Fund is for. With $3.75 billion set aside specifically to offset income tax reductions, the fund ensures that we can cut taxes today while maintaining essential services and long-term stability. 'I look forward to continuing this work next session—especially when it comes to reducing Iowans' property tax burden. And to make sure tax cuts remain sustainable, even as we continue to make smart investments, we'll keep streamlining government. Our alignment efforts, so far, have already saved taxpayers more than $250 million, and we're just getting started.' Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer: 'Governor Reynolds has delivered on her promise to continue Iowa on an upward trajectory. She made hands-free driving a reality, making Iowa's roads safer and saving the lives of those we love. She is investing in rural healthcare, making sure we have excellent care and more providers in all four corners of our state. And she continues to improve our education system by raising math and civics standards and removing digital distractions from instructional time so our students are free to achieve their greatest potential. And because of her fiscal leadership, Iowa is the best place for those students to find jobs and thrive. It's been my honor to stand by her as she leads Iowa forward.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Iowa bill requiring districts share immunization exemption information with families sent to governor
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Senate Republicans sent a bill to the governor's desk on Tuesday morning that changes the requirements for how parents and guardians are notified about immunization exemptions in K-12 schools. For several sessions lawmakers have attempted to pass the bill. It failed in the Iowa Senate in 2024, but just a year later it cleared by the majority party in a 32 to 16 vote. The bill requires communication about vaccine exemptions, and exemption requirements must be available for parents or guardians for public or private school students K-12 and child care facilities. That information can be available on a website or on school registration documentation. The countdown is on: 100 days until the 2025 Iowa State Fair; see what's new 'This isn't a pro-vaccine bill or an anti-vaccine bill. This is called an honesty bill,' said State Senator Jesse Green (R), District 24 from Harcourt. 'What's troubling to me is a handful of schools in the state that decide it's okay to lie to parents about if you don't receive shots or you can't send your kids to school. That is a lie.' Senate Democrats worried about herd immunity for diseases, like measles, when parents may be encouraged to opt their student out of certain vaccines.'This bill sends the wrong message,' said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D), District 45 from Iowa City. 'This bill seeks to ensure that more people feel free and we are actually encouraged to opt out of life saving vaccines.' Governor Reynolds is now able to sign the bill into law. Iowa News: Iowa lawmakers change 'bullying' definition for schools Iowa bill requiring districts share immunization exemption information with families sent to governor Forecast: Rain chances round out the week; beautiful weekend The countdown is on: 100 days until the 2025 Iowa State Fair; see what's new Iowans share stories to help others on National Fentanyl Awareness Day Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa House not moving forward with bill shielding pesticide companies from health-related lawsuits
DES MOINES, Iowa — For two years in a row, what protesters coined the 'Cancer Gag Act' will not make it through the Iowa House. The Iowa Senate advanced the bill just a week ago with a slim margin: 26 voting for it and 21 against. The bill states that registered pesticide companies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that have had labeling approved by the EPA shall be sufficient to satisfy requirements for a warning regarding health or safety. It also states that the bill shall not be interpreted to prohibit a cause of action, which is grounds for a lawsuit. The Speaker of the Iowa House told members of the media that it will not be moving forward with the bill at this time. 'I think at this point in time, there's not support within the caucus for that bill,' said Speaker Pat Grassley (R), District 57 from New Hartford. 'And I think the caucus just in a position where they're not sure that they can support it at this point in time.' The Iowa Senate President was disappointed once again that the Republican House caucus did not move the bill through committee level to make it funnel-proof. Wild Lights at Blank Park Zoo returns this weekend 'I suppose the House can be entitled to their wrong opinion. I believe wholeheartedly that the bill we passed doesn't prevent anybody from seeking justice if they're damaged by a company. But I also believe that to have a proper system of justice, we have to make sure that individuals or companies can't be sued for following the law.' Cancer rates have shot up in the state over recent years and many Iowans have taken action against companies like Bayer, who produces RoundUp, which is why some protested at the statehouse just this week for the bill not to advance through the second funnel. Bayer has disputed the claims of RoundUp causing cancer, while paying out billions of dollars to settle previous lawsuits. Democratic leadership in both chambers are glad that the bill seems to be dead again this year. 'I think it would be a really positive thing for Iowans if the pesticide bill does not move forward,' said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D), District 45 from Iowa City. 'It was, from our read of it on the Senate side, it's really an immunity bill. And once you give one set of companies immunity, others are going to be lining up for it.' 'I think it's pretty telling that even Republicans in the House, that giving immunity to pesticide companies in a state that has skyrocketing cancer rates is not a good idea. And I'm thrilled to see that, hopefully, we won't be debating that this year,' said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D), District 32 from Windsor Heights. While the bill did not meet the second funnel week deadline, there are still ways for bill to be brought back up later in session. Iowa News: Iowa House not moving forward with bill shielding pesticide companies from health-related lawsuits Tulips begin to bloom in Pella Iowa AG warns your genetic data could be at risk Fan-favorite donut vendor won't return to Iowa State Fair in 2025 WHO 13 Farm Report: Thursday, April 3 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
