At a town hall Thursday, Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand was pressed to define how he would protect transgender Iowans’ rights — drawing the sharpest exchanges of the evening and setting the tone for a wide-ranging discussion on water quality, education, school vouchers, mental health and child care.
Also, Reynolds announces grant funding to expand child care access
Iowa remains in the top tier of states in overall child well-being, but saw declines in indicators related to economic well-being and education outcomes, according to an Annie E. Casey Foundation report published Monday.
The Gazette explores which issues went unresolved by state lawmakers this year that they likely will face again next year.
After her child care bill did not pass the Iowa Legislature, Reynolds on Tuesday announced her plan to create programs and a private donation-infused fund to create a daylong continuum of care for 4-year-olds and boost child care workers’ wages
The Republican governor pushed most — but not all — her priorities across the finish line.
Three different programs launched in 2023 to increase childcare access
Friday is the 110th calendar day of the 2025 session of the Iowa Legislature. It is the last day that state lawmakers will receive their stipend for daily housing and meal expenses. While their work is nearing completion, here are some of the important tasks that remain.
Also in Capitol Notebook: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ child care and preschool proposal passes the Iowa Senate
Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has proposed a ‘continuum of care’ that incentivizes preschools and child care centers to work together, while House Democrats have proposed expanding child care assistance funding and tax credits
The bills proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds would launch a new $16 million grant program to provide three-year grants of up to $100,000 to preschool providers — typically school districts — and child care providers to provide wraparound services for working families.
The governor, in her annual Condition of the State Address, also proposes $1 million to start new cancer research effort.
Program adds $2 an hour to eligible child care workers’ pay to increase openings for families.
Advocates hope state policy makers help expand statewide the Childcare Solutions Funds pilot program, which was funded by public and private dollars.
Democratic incumbent Tracy Ehlert said she is focused on boosting the state’s workforce by investing more in child care and public schools, while Republican challenger Barclay Woerner said he’s focused on further cutting taxes.
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