Articles Tagged: Kim Reynolds

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ task force on government efficiency has floated the idea of consolidating some of Iowa’s 99 counties, and when asked about the possibility on Friday, Reynolds did not rule it out.

All forms of cancer will be covered by firefighters’ and other first responders’ disability insurance coverage — rather than only the 14 forms previously covered — under legislation signed into law Friday by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Iowa businesses will see a $1.2 billion reduction in unemployment insurance taxes over the next five years under legislation signed by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday.

The Iowa DOGE Task Force also discussed possible education recommendations, including making portions of teacher pay merit-based, and consolidating rural school districts as populations in the least-populated areas of Iowa continue to decline.

In other Iowa Capitol news, the state’s new unemployment system went live Tuesday

Iowa poll workers will be allowed to challenge a voter at the polls on the basis of their citizenship status under new legislation signed into law Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds. The new laws also make changes to election recount procedures in the state, ban ranked choice voting and make it harder for third-party groups such as Libertarians to qualify as a major political party in the state.

Also in the Capitol Notebook, a new warden has been named for Iowa State Penitentiary.

The Gazette explores which issues went unresolved by state lawmakers this year that they likely will face again next year.

Health care organizations want Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign a recently-passed PBM bill into law, saying it will protect pharmacies; business groups want her to veto it, saying it will raise health care costs.

As the country grapples with a health care workforce shortage, health care facilities across Iowa, especially in rural areas, will see some assistance under legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed more than a dozen bills into law Tuesday, including a ban on DEI positions in local government and a requirement that Iowa high school students pass a civics test to graduate.

A policy provision inserted into a budget bill in the final minutes of the legislative session would allow the state to request reimbursement from local 911 service boards for “reasonable costs.” First responders warn the bill could have unintended consequences.

Signed in 1965, the Iowa Civil Rights Act provides legal protection from discrimination against protected classes regarding housing, employment, education, public services and accommodations, banking and more. As the act turns 60, some who were involved in its formation and continuation reflect on where it is today and worry about where it will stand in the future.

Gov. Reynolds said she plans to have discussions with Iowa lawmakers and her DOGE government efficiency task force about how best to reduce property taxes. The push comes after this year’s session ended without a bill to address property taxes.

Under the waiver approved by the USDA, starting Jan. 1, 2026, Iowans who receive SNAP won’t be able to use their benefits to purchase items including garden seeds and food-producing plants, candy, gum, soft drinks, lemonade, fruit snacks, certain granola bars and caramel corn.