Stateline Headlines

Iowa Senate OKs health, human services bill before adjourning

House passes property tax reform to cap 'banner year'

House takes final action on health care for 150,000

Lawmakers OK repayment of $116 million in state bonds

Legislature ends session on high note

Scott Walker speaks in Iowa, fueling speculation of presidential hopes

Scott Walker tells caucus-focused Iowa Republicans his vision for the nation

Walker's Iowa visit tonight serves as 2016 test

Possible Medicaid compromise is encouraging

Iowa Legislature OKs high-priority education reform; package headed to Gov. Branstad

Budget bill with $2.65B for school funding passes Legislature

Iowa Legislature pushes towards late-night adjournment of 2013 session

Iowa Senate approves property tax reform but House does not, setting up further debate on Thursday

Iowa Senate OKs health, human services bill before adjourning

Iowa House fails to adjourn, will return Thursday for final votes on 4 bills

Possible Medicaid compromise is encouraging

Branstad hints he'd OK Medicaid expansion if federal funding pledges were secured

Not so fast on property taxes

Iowa Legislature could adjourn today - if compromises occur

Branstad announces social media contest aimed at spurring Iowa home sales

Lt. Gov. Reynolds says she wasn’t sexually harassed in Iowa Senate

Branstad: State might accept federal Medicaid expansion money if it came with ‘assurances’

Branstad hints he'd OK Medicaid expansion if federal funding pledges were secured

Fired Iowa Senate aide to file complaint alleging sexual harassment

Iowa Speaker Paulsen optimistic as 2013 session heads toward finish

Tax reform package is wide-ranging

Key tasks left undone at Iowa Legislature

Legislators behind closed doors

Fired Iowa Senate GOP aide says she detailed sexual harassment by male legislators, staffers

Wisconsin Gov. Walker to headline Iowa GOP event

Iowa receives failing grade in campaign disclosure report

Medicaid proposal too bitter a pill for 27 states

Tax reform package is wide-ranging

Property tax plan looms as Iowa lawmakers push for adjournment

Iowa House, Senate reach sweeping deal on tax relief

Iowa lawmakers give final OK to higher ed appropriations bill

Iowa Legislature agrees to fix farm liability issue

Iowa Senate passes spending bill for economic development, other programs

Budget deal hammered out

Lawmakers agree to close Fort Madison mental unit

Iowa DOT releases $2.6 billion, 5-year plan for highway construction

Deal enables tuition freeze

Democrats allege campaign finance violations by new state auditor Mosiman

Legislators reach budget accord aimed at ending 2013 session

Mosiman is appointed auditor

Budget deal hammered out

Hair braiding shows Iowa's ridiculous laws

Branstad: Lawmakers close to deals on education, property taxes

DHS schedules hearings on Branstad's Healthy Iowa Plan

Branstad won't put chief of veterans home on leave

Second try in Legislature aims to help Des Moines pay franchise fee refunds

Mosiman is appointed auditor

Bus inspection reforms stall in Iowa legislature

Iowans worry as health care debate continues

Lawmakers shouldn't overreact to court case

It's time for Iowa to address racial disparity in sentences

Branstad signs military brain injury bill, plus eight other measures

Second try in Legislature aims to help Des Moines pay refunds

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

State Officials Try to Redefine 'Adequate' Education

EDUCATION BEAT: Kansas and New Hampshire look for a new definition of "adequate" public education ... An Indiana Senate committee advances a bill limiting collective bargaining for teachers ... Nevada's governor proposes cuts to higher education and K-12 budgets, and other education news.

Iowa Budget Address 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 27 - Following is Gov. Terry Brandstad's (R) 2011 budget address: Madam Lt. Governor, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Leaders, justices, judges, legislators, elected officials, distinguished guests, family, friends and fellow Iowans: I am humbled to stand before you once again as your Gover

Not All Tax Increases Are Off the Table for Republicans

TODAY'S TAKE: At least a dozen new governors, almost all of them Republicans, have vowed not to raise taxes. But not all revenue-raising ideas are anathema to the GOP.

Jerry Brown's Tax Plans Come into Focus

California's governor-elect wants to extend income, sales and vehicle tax increases, Nevada's incoming governor finally quits his day job, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.