Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

Catching up on news from around the state

Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign also hiring in Iowa

Iowa Republican state lawmakers in the House and Senate must now come together to close the gap on dueling proposals to lower Iowans’ property tax bills.

Legislation that would allow dairy farms in Iowa to sell raw milk to consumers is headed to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature.

A look back at the top news stories from the week of April 10

Personal information of more than 20,000 Iowa Medicaid members was compromised in a data breach of a state contractor last year, the Iowa Health and Human Services Department announced Tuesday.

A look back at the top news stories from the week of April 3

Also, new website aims to connect veterans with jobs in Iowa

The Iowa Senate has started the process of confirming Gov. Kim Reynolds’ appointees to state boards and commissions. And for the first time in a long time, Republicans hold a super majority in the Senate, which means they’ll be able to prevent Democrats from blocking gubernatorial appointees that require a two-thirds majority.

Majority-party Republicans on the Iowa Senate’s budget committee on Monday advanced four bills that were, effectively, mere placeholders with no actual budget numbers in them.

A look back at the top news stories from the week of March 27

Lawmakers to hold public hearing on a bill that would alter eligibility requirements for Iowans to qualify for food and health care assistance.

Rob Sand, the lone Democrat to hold statewide office, said if Republicans want to target him directly, they should hurl insults, not advance legislation he said will harm Iowa taxpayers.

Also, senators intend to amend bill dissolving county compensation boards.

Republican former Vice President Mike Pence and GOP U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina are dipping their toes back into the 2024 waters, and Nikki Haley returning to Iowa.