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
Government & Politics Jun. 1, 2023 3:01 pm930d ago
All four of Iowa's Republican representatives voted late Wednesday in favor of
Campaigns & Elections Jun. 1, 2023 4:18 pm930d ago
In his first visit to Cedar Rapids as a declared presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis repeatedly framed Iowa and Florida as partners in a Republican battle to “restore sanity.” Be that prohibiting instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools, or banning gender-affirming care for minors and abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Government & Politics May. 31, 2023 4:53 pm931d ago
Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley told reporters he is still on the fence over a deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling to avoid a destructive default.
State Government May. 31, 2023 4:02 pm931d ago
Iowa families can begin signing up today, for a new state-funded private school financial assistance program.
State Government May. 30, 2023 7:18 pm932d ago
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday that she plans to send about 100 Iowa National Guard soldiers and 30 law enforcement officers to Texas to assist with border security between the United States and Mexico.
State Government May. 30, 2023 6:00 am933d ago
The Iowa Department of Transportation is working with Autobase in the Iowa City area testing drone use to help monitor and safely and efficiently redirect traffic around wrecks, temporary road closures and construction.
State Government May. 25, 2023 5:19 pm937d ago
Iowa will spend $150,000 to pilot a program aimed at decreasing emergency response times in rural areas.
Government & Politics May. 26, 2023 7:23 am937d ago
Transportation secretary stopped at the Eastern Iowa Airport on Thursday to highlight federal investments he said will make for a better passenger experience and support job growth.
State Government May. 25, 2023 6:00 am938d ago
In order to claim the new tax exemption, seniors must file applications with their local assessor offices on or before July 1.
State Government May. 24, 2023 8:23 am939d ago
Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand held news conferences, met with lawmakers and gathered letters from bipartisan leaders to try to stop a bill that would limit his access to state records. Now, with Senate File 478 sitting on Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk awaiting her expected signature, Sand is taking his case on the road.
Campaigns & Elections May. 23, 2023 5:30 am940d ago
The 57-year-old is betting that emphasizing his faith, his personal story and a more optimistic message, while hauling in significant campaign cash, will be enough to carry him to the Republican nomination.
Government & Politics May. 19, 2023 1:44 pm943d ago
Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson plans to reintroduce legislation to overturn a California law she says will devastate Iowa pork producers.
State Government May. 19, 2023 9:43 am944d ago
Got questions about new property tax exemptions for Iowa seniors and for military veterans? We’ve got answers.
Campaigns & Elections May. 18, 2023 5:20 pm944d ago
GOP presidential hopeful stops in Hiawatha as part of his ‘Fire Biden’ bus tour
State Government May. 18, 2023 12:00 pm944d ago
Democrats argue Republicans are intentionally underfunding education in Iowa, noting the state has a nearly $2 billion general fund budget surplus, full cash reserves and a Taxpayer Relief Fund projected to total nearly $3.4 billion by the end of next fiscal year.

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