116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Tom Barton
I am The Gazette’s deputy Des Moines bureau chief covering Iowa politics, including the Iowa Legislature and campaigns. I was born and raised in Davenport and have previously worked for papers covering local and state government and politics in Iowa and South Carolina, including Dubuque and the Quad-Cities. I’m an Iowa State graduate and a die-hard Cyclone fan. When not reporting, you can likely find me on the golf course, burning something in the kitchen and nerding out about Star Wars with Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy.
Latest Articles by Tom Barton
State Government 41m ago41m ago
Education policy dealing with graphic materials and the teaching of gender identity passed, but a bill regulating carbon capture pipelines did not
Government & Politics 90m ago90m ago
Lawmakers to hold public hearing on a bill that would alter eligibility requirements for Iowans to qualify for food and health care assistance.
Government & Politics 3h ago3h ago
Iowa Republican House lawmakers have proposed a measure that would require parental consent before children under the age of 18 can use social media.
Government & Politics Mar. 29, 2023 2:40 pm1d ago
Bill advances that would apply asset tests to applicants
Government & Politics Mar. 27, 2023 6:07 pm3d ago
Also, senators intend to amend bill dissolving county compensation boards.
Campaigns & Elections Mar. 27, 2023 2:44 pm3d ago
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.
Government & Politics Mar. 26, 2023 5:00 am5d ago
Recent polling has shown nearly 80 percent of Iowans oppose the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines. But the issue has divided Iowa lawmakers from both parties who are trying to balance competing interests of protecting landowners’ property rights and also protecting the future of Iowa’s ag economy.
News Mar. 24, 2023 5:00 am8d ago
The veterans service and support organization recently opened in a new, larger location in northeast Cedar Rapids. The new building is located next to a city bus stop and it has a full commercial kitchen to help with serving meals. It also offers more recreational and family activities to hopefully bring in younger veterans an connect them to a services and support network.
Government & Politics Mar. 23, 2023 8:02 pm6d ago
The bill would allow Iowa cities to impose up to a 3 percent surcharge on retail, food, alcohol, ticket and hotel room sales to fund entertainment districts.
Government & Politics Mar. 24, 2023 5:14 pm6d ago
Ann Lebo, the former head of Iowa’s state education agency, who last month announced she was resigning to pursue other opportunities, now has a new job with the state.
Government & Politics Mar. 23, 2023 6:26 pm7d ago
A bipartisan pair of Iowa House lawmakers on Thursday announced the introduction a bill aimed at banning MLB TV blackouts in the state.
Government & Politics Mar. 23, 2023 8:34 am7d ago
Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday signed into law a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, as well as transgender bathroom restrictions for schools.
State Government Mar. 22, 2023 5:53 pm8d ago
Also, Senate passes bill to change SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
Government & Politics Mar. 22, 2023 5:33 pm8d ago
Iowa Republicans have pushed forward a bill that would change how county supervisors are elected in Johnson, Story and Black Hawk counties.
Government & Politics Mar. 16, 2023 5:18 pm14d ago
Legislation that would prohibit transgender youth from using school bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity is headed to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature.