Under a proposal advanced by Iowa Senate Republicans, Iowa Medicaid would no longer cover surgical, hormonal and other procedures related to treating Iowans with gender dysphoria. Critics warn the move could endanger the health and lives of Iowans.
An Iowa immigrant rights organization is refusing a lawmaker's demands to turn over private details about the nonprofit’s clients, donors and members, calling it intimidation from public officials amid a national crackdown on immigration.
The governor said the law will decrease cyberbullying and classroom distractions, improve students’ concentration and address concerns about students’ mental health.
According to unofficial results, Angel Ramirez bested Bernie Hayes to represent southeast Cedar Rapids in the Iowa House.
Also in the Capitol Notebook, lawmakers advance a bill to create a state retirement savings plan for Iowans whose employers don’t offer a retirement plan.
Despite Gov. Kim Reynold’s proposal at the start of this legislative session to increase aid to Iowa’s three public universities and its 15 community colleges, a budget compromise she’s reached with Senate Republicans includes no general education bump for the higher education institutions.
House File 299 would require schools and child care centers to include information about obtaining vaccine exemptions in any public communication to parents or guardians following recommendations by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Both dip into reserves to cover expected revenue decline from state income tax cuts.
Also in the Capitol Notebook, the Iowa Senate confirmed 3 members to the Iowa Board of Regents
Legislation designed to constrain prescription drug costs and protect rural pharmacies by regulating third-party health care companies known as pharmacy benefit managers is once again moving in the Iowa Capitol.
Cournoyer, who has been lieutenant governor since December, was among a group of Iowa Republicans expected to be mulling whether to run to replace Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who earlier this month announced she will not seek another term.
Republican Bernie Hayes is running against Democrat Angel Ramirez in the special election to represent Iowa House District 78, which includes a section of northeast Cedar Rapids and a broad swath of southeast Cedar Rapids.
Seven former Independence Mental Health Institute nurses have filed claims of gross negligence against the state and Iowa Health and Human Services. Some of them have shared stories of assaults that resulted in a miscarriage, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is considering a run for governor in 2026, but said he still is talking over the possibility with his family and close supporters.
© 2025 The Gazette | All Rights Reserved.
Daily Newsletters