The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives from Iowa

Sequester Cuts at Justice Department Threaten Local Drug Investigations

The partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. threatens to curb drug investigations in rural communities.

States Look to Raise Standards for New Teachers

Would paying teachers more improve the quality of teaching candidates? Some states are considering that and tougher admission standards at education programs.

Election Day Registration in the 2012 General Election

In the eight states — Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — and the District of Columbia that allow Election Day registration, nearly 1.25 million voters registered or updated their information and cast ballots on Election Day last November.

State Lawmakers Push Crackdown on Cancer-Causing Radon

Legislation filed in Iowa and Nebraska, and a proposal taking shape in Utah aim to reduce people’s exposure to radon, which kills about 21,000 people each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Issue to Watch: Collective Bargaining

While this year’s legislative battles in the states over collective bargaining rights are likely to be more restrained than previous years, the legislation put forward would still have a significant impact on employer-labor relationships, if passed.

Bucking Trend, Iowa Senator Seeks Death Penalty’s Return

Following the kidnapping and murder of two young girls, an Iowa lawmaker wants to bring back the state’s long-abolished death penalty.

Iowa State of the State Address 2013

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Terry Branstad's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Falling Short on Dental Sealants: Iowa

How well is Iowa protecting kids from tooth decay?

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff: Iowa

Federal and state finances are closely intertwined, and the fiscal cliff’s tax and spending provisions will have consequences for states.

As Layoffs Mount, Governors Seek Support on Wind Tax Credit

With election season politics behind them, several governors are reapplying pressure on Congress to extend a tax credit whose looming expiration is stirring angst within the wind industry.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

Early Voting in Battleground States

Earlier today, we provided an update on the millions of voters across the country who cast their ballots before Election Day. A look at data from certain battleground states finds significant use of early voting both by mail and in person.

Still Risky: Checking Accounts in Iowa

Checking accounts, the most widely used financial product in America, contain hidden risks that can harm consumers. Four of the 12 largest banks nationwide offer checking accounts in Iowa and hold 21 percent of all deposits in the state. Here’s what consumers in Iowa may be paying.

Dam Inspectors Fear the Deluge

Each year, more dams in the United States show signs of disrepair. Meanwhile, the money to fix them grows harder to find.

Wind Subsidies Raise a Storm in Heartland States

Wind-energy has been a booming industry in many states the past few years. But the federal tax credits that have helped fuel that growth is likely to disappear in a few months.

Best of #StateReads: On Further Review, Georgia Dropout Rate Doubles

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Mississippi Tops List Of Fattest States — Again

For the seventh straight year, Mississippi has claimed a dubious title: the nation’s fattest state. That’s according to the latest estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2011, nearly 35 percent of adult Mississippians were considered obese, according to data released on Monday (Augu

No Child Left Behind: Not Dead Yet

Most states have received waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind law, but some have found flexibility harder to come by.

States Reconsider Juvenile Life Sentences

The Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles convicted of murder is unconstitutional. But the court left little guidance for states on what to do next.

Iowa Governor Blasts Pentagon Air Guard Cuts

Just days before he and other governors are scheduled to meet with Pentagon brass, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad attacked the Defense Department Thursday (July 12) for failing to work with governors on plans to drastically cut the size of the Air National Guard.

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

More GOP Officials Vow to Decline Medicaid Expansion

Republican state leaders say they’d rather forfeit federal money than dip into state coffers to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Best of #StateReads: Iowa Felons Struggle for Voting Rights

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Questions Swirl Around Nuclear Cost Recovery

Charging ratepayers for nuclear plant construction made sense to many legislatures a few years ago. Attitudes have shifted since then.

Conservative Activists Take Aim at Florida Justices

Judicial retention elections, which used to be just a formality, are becoming much more competitive and expensive. In Florida, conservative activists are targeting three members of the state’s Supreme Court.

Iowa Law Directs Home Visiting Funds to Proven Programs

Iowa has emerged as a national leader for using solid evidence and data-driven accountability systems to get the best possible outcomes from its home visiting investments.

Widening Gap Update: Iowa

Iowa failed to pay its full annual pension contribution between 2005 and 2010. As a result, its system was 81 percent funded in fiscal year2010 and faced a $5 billion funding gap.

Best of #StateReads: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Time Served in Iowa

The average offender in Iowa released in 2009 served 2.4 years in custody, 11% more than the average offender released in 1990.

Public Still Wary of Gas Tax Hikes

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: With federal funding for transportation up in the air, many states are looking for new ways to finance repair work on roads and bridges, as well as the building of new ones. But recent polls from Iowa, Maryland and Michigan show residents are in no mood to pay higher state gas taxes.

A Program Worthy of Our Investment

With Iowa still feeling the negative impact of the Great Recession, many of the state’s policy makers and business leaders rank increasing Iowa’s competitive business climate as a top priority. We know if we bolster our commitment to education, reinforce our long-term workforce development, and control our tax burden by using scarce resources wisely, Iowa will be well positioned to compete in the global marketplace.

Dentists to Work Just for the Smiles

The cost of dental care can be a barrier for many families, but so can timing, said Linda Meyers, a dental hygienist who is the coordinator of the I-Smile dental health initiative for Pottawattamie and Mills Counties in Iowa.

Iowa State of the State Address 2012

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 10 - Following is Gov. Terry Branstad (R) 2012 state of the state address: Madam Lt. Governor, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Leaders, justices, judges, legislators, elected officials, distinguished guests, family, friends and fellow Iowans. Today it is my honor to stand

Disappointment in Iowa for Only Current Governor in Presidential Race

TODAY'S TAKE: The only current governor in the Republican race for president, Rick Perry of Texas, is re-evaluating his candidacy after a fifth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.

Election Websites: Iowa

Being Online Is Still Not Enough provides state-by-state reviews and analysis based on detailed criteria of election websites for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Branstad Pulls Back Teacher Proposal in Iowa

EDUCATION BEAT: A much-discussed plan to create four separate tiers for Iowa teachers - apprentice, career, mentor and master - has been placed on hold by the governor only weeks after its introduction.

State Senate Election in Iowa Offers Clash of Gay Marriage Sentiments

A Republican victory in one Iowa Senate district would lead to a change in control that could imperil the legality of same-sex marriage. But gay marriage opponents would still face a long series of hurdles.

More Republican Governors Push for Education Overhaul

EDUCATION BEAT: Republican governors in Pennsylvania and Iowa are unveiling plans for major education changes, joining a number of their peers in states such as Florida, Idaho and Maine who made similar moves during the most recent legislative sessions.

Iowa Senate Control at Stake in November Special Election

TODAY'S TAKE: The resignation of a Democratic state senator in Iowa means that a November special election to replace her could determine control of the chamber - and the entire state government.

Iowa Centralizing Hiring of State Workers

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Many states are moving toward centralized human resources management systems as a way to cut costs. But in Iowa, the change is largely in response to a series of lawsuits alleging discrimination in hiring, firing and promotions.

Shutdowns Loom in Iowa, Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: This week could see the first state government shutdown since 2007, when Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell ordered a partial closure that lasted nine days.

After Standoff, Illinois Road Construction Continues

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Illinois senators agree to back off in a budget fight that threatened to halt the state's summer road building season … Nevada clears the way for its first and only tollroad … Digital billboards could soon be legal in Missouri and Oregon, and other transportation news.

State Government Shutdowns: A Dangerous Game to Play

This is the time of year when many state capitols are consumed by talk of budget stalemates and possible closure of government agencies. But the worst rarely happens.

Business Tax Cuts Pass in Michigan But Falter Elsewhere

Republican governors are trying to make good on their promises to cut corporate taxes, but some are finding a bit more resistance than they may have expected.

Measuring Transportation Investments: Iowa

A May 2011 report, Measuring Transportation Investments: The Road to Results, found considerable differences among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Children's Dental Health: Iowa

Iowa meets five of the eight policy benchmarks for strengthening children’s dental health, one less than it met last year. The state reported that sealant programs were in place in less than one-quarter of high risk schools.

Republican Governors Push for Biennial Budgets

For decades, states have been moving toward an annual budgeting process. Now, a GOP strategy is emerging in several states that focuses on budgeting over longer periods of time.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

Branstad Disputes Claim That He Backs Pawlenty in 2012

TODAY'S TAKE: As the 2012 presidential campaign heats up, Republican contenders are jostling for the endorsement of Terry Branstad, the Iowa governor whose support is key to the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses.