Week in Iowa, June 26, 2023: Recap of news from across the state

Federal funding for broadband, infrastructure: President Joe Biden's administration announced the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars for Iowa broadband and infrastructure projects last week, as the president touted "Bidenomics" and his investments in the American economy.

Iowa will receive $415 million to build high-speed internet in underserved, mostly rural areas. The money adds on to the more than $350 million already dedicated in state and federal dollars to improve broadband. Iowa also received $43.5 million to purchase zero- and low-emission buses, and $35 million for three bridge and road improvement projects.

New laws take effect: Saturday marked the first effective date for a number of new laws the Iowa Legislature passed this year. The realignment of state government, new school restrictions, relaxed child labor laws and stricter eligibility standards for federal benefits are among the new laws that took effect.

Board convenes to study other boards: A new committee tasked with reviewing Iowa's hundreds of boards and commissions had its first meeting last week. The committee will make recommendations on eliminating, consolidating or modifying Iowa's boards in an effort to improve efficiency and streamline their duties.

Iowa accepts federal food assistance after declining: Iowa officials will apply for around $28.2 million in federal food assistance to feed low-income Iowa children after originally saying they would not participate in the program, known as Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer. The federal funds will provide $120 per eligible child who received free or reduced-price school lunches during the school year, to pay for food during the summer.

An Iowa Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said officials had concerns about the administrative burden associated with applying for the program. Anti-hunger advocates said accepting the money was the right thing to do and had previously criticized Iowa officials for declining the funds.

Reynolds’ trade mission: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds spent the last two weeks abroad, visiting Italy, Kosovo and Israel on a trade mission aimed at expanding trade and business growth opportunities and renewing sister state agreements.

Auditor accuses state of reporting delays: State Auditor Rob Sand said his office would produce "single audits" of Iowa's universities to ensure they receive federal funding because a statewide financial report has been delayed. The office usually audits that report, allowing a "statewide single audit" to be done by March 31, but this year it was delayed.

They said …

"This is the right thing to do for our families and communities. We should never leave resources on the table when it comes to caring for our kids.” — Iowa Democratic Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott on state decision to apply for federal food assistance

“The additional BEAD funding announced today, combined with nearly $150 million in funds currently available, will further reduce broadband disparities and help to arrive at the goal of universal access in Iowa." — Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer spokesperson Gloria Van Rees on federal broadband funding

Odds and ends

2024 watch: Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Council Bluffs this week, his first visit to Iowa since being indicted on federal charges over mishandling classified documents. Trump continues to lead in 2024 presidential primary polling.

Air quality advisory: Much of Iowa fell under a smoky haze last week as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted south and worsened air quality across the state. Eastern Iowa saw the worst air quality, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources issuing an advisory through Friday and recommending against prolonged outdoor activities.

Water cooler

Davenport building: The owner of a Davenport building that collapsed in May was in talks with a real estate firm to sell the building a month before the deadly collapse. Mike Gudat, of Illinois-based March 2 Ventures, emailed Davenport employees in April to ask about tax credits and permits at the building.

Affirmative action: A national Supreme Court ruling barring universities from considering race in college applications will not affect Iowa's universities. The universities use a standard index for undergraduate admissions that does not factor in the applicant's race.