Capitol Notebook: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds rescinds dozens of old executive orders

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an executive order Thursday rescinding dozens of executive orders from past governors that were deemed no longer necessary.

Her order removes 62 executive orders and amends two that mostly dealt with agencies that no longer exist, events that happened decades ago or issues that are now superseded by federal law. The rescinded orders date back to the administration of Democrat Harold Hughes in 1964.

Nine of the rescinded orders were issued by Hughes, 19 by Republican Robert Ray, 18 by Republican Terry Branstad, 10 by Democrat Tom Vilsack, and four by Democrat Chet Culver. Two of Reynolds’ previous orders will be rescinded, and one will be amended.

Reynolds, a Republican, said Thursday’s order is a continuation of her efforts to shrink the scope of state government, eliminate unnecessary components and reorganize its structure.

“Just as my administration has aligned executive branch departments, reduced burdensome rules and regulations, and eliminated unnecessary boards and commissions, amending or rescinding outdated executive orders will provide greater clarity about current priorities intended to move our state forward, while still honoring those of our past,” Reynolds said in a statement.

Among the rescinded orders are a call for all Iowa peace officers to assist when President Lyndon B. Johnson visited Des Moines in 1964; prohibitions on discrimination by state employees that are superseded by state and federal law; and the creation and direction of several agencies and working groups that no longer exist.

Reynolds began the process of reorganizing state government last year with a bill that overhauled the structure of state government and reduced the number of Cabinet agencies. She signed bills into law this year to reduce the number of state boards and commissions and revamp the rule-making process for state agencies.

Cedar Rapids, central Iowa win transportation grants

A Cedar Rapids nonprofit’s service that provides safe and affordable rides to work, school and training when public transportation is not available will receive a $357,868 federal grant, Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said Thursday.

Horizons will use the grant to modernize its transit system, buy vehicles with on-demand software and integrate ride-booking systems across the city, according to Grassley’s office.

Horizons operates the Neighborhood Transportation Service. Rides provided by the program are $6.

Grassley’s office also announced a $441,096 grant to the Iowa Department of Transportation to expand transportation services in Marion, Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Story and Warren counties.

That grant will fund upgrades to scheduling software, to buy more reliable vehicles and to hire a worker to enhance service to older adults and riders with disabilities, Grassley’s office said.

The grants are a product of the 2021 federal infrastructure funding bill.

“Strong transportation options boost communities and local economies. These federal resources will help improve Iowa’s transit system and ensure Iowans have access to reliable transportation,” Grassley said in a news release. “I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law with Iowa’s future in mind, and I’m glad to see our great state continue to benefit.”

Reynolds adds disaster declaration

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Dubuque and Emmet counties in response to severe weather on June 3, the governor’s office said.

The proclamation allows the counties to access state resources to help Iowans respond to and recover from severe weather.