Tom Barton

The monthslong search was launched to fill the role after the former director resigned last July while battling Stage 4 kidney cancer.

Lawmakers plan to use surplus to cover an estimated $900M shortfall.

Iowa House Democrats on Thursday chose Rep. Brian Meyer, a Democrat from Des Moines, to lead the caucus after minority leader Jennifer Konfrst steps down at the end of the 2025 legislative session to run for Congress.

Iowa House Democratic leader Jennifer Konfrst, of Windsor Heights, announced Thursday she is running for Congress in Iowa's 3rd District, seeking to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, of Bondurant.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, who appointed Cournoyer last year to the role, said in a statement she is “proud to endorse” Cournoyer’s campaign, calling her “a true fiscal conservative with a strong record of improving government efficiencies and accountability.”

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg will headline an in-person town hall May 13 in Cedar Rapids focused on Republican President Donald Trump's handling of veterans' issues.

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.

The governor said the law will decrease cyberbullying and classroom distractions, improve students’ concentration and address concerns about students’ mental health.

In Cedar Rapids, the state department of agriculture plans to invest $177,625 as part of a planned $500,000 project by the Linn County Conservation Board to build a wetland and improve water quality near Morgan Creek Park.

Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said she is “humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement from people all across Iowa” encouraging her to run for the statewide office, but she is committed to her work in Washington.

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.

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.

Partial funding of Title X family planning services has raised concerns, with an Iowa clinic receiving less than half its previous funding.

Asked about why Congress is not reining in President Donald Trump, the Marion representative said, “I think we would probably have a fundamental disagreement in this room about that, because when I look at what Congress is doing, we are working on executing exactly what we campaigned on doing and what the President campaigned on doing.”

During a public comment meeting Wednesday, Iowans voiced their frustration and concern over a proposal by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to require most able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work at least 100 hours per month.