The Iowa state senate voted Monday to approve House File 295, a bill that takes authority from counties and cities and gives it to the state in several areas, including setting a minimum wage. […]
Iowa Politics
This week in political activism: March 27-April 2

Ready to take action to build the community, state and nation you want, but not sure what to do next? Here are some opportunities for political activism this week. Let members of congress know how you feel about the Trump agenda #ResistTrumpTuesdays Rally & Office Visit 111 7th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids — Tuesday, March […]
This week in political activism: March 20-26

Ready to take action to build the community, state and nation you want, but not sure what to do next? Here are some opportunities for political activism this week. Start local by getting to know your county supervisors and city council Iowa City Council meeting City Hall (410 E Washington St) — Tuesday, March 21 […]
Workers’ comp bill passes Iowa house, heads to senate

A bill that would change workers’ compensation laws in Iowa passed the Iowa house 55-88 Thursday, March 16, and is expected to be sent to the senate early next week. The legislation could lead to a decrease in workers’ compensation claims paid in this state. House File 518 passed on a near party-line vote, with […]
Federal judge kills Des Moines Water Works lawsuit

Federal Judge Leonard Strand threw out the Des Moines Water Works’ water quality lawsuit against drainage districts in three northern Iowa counties. “I’m pleased to see an end to this costly litigation brought about by the Des Moines Water Works,” Gov. Terry Branstad said in a press release. The basis of the suit was that […]
State Sen. Rob Hogg calls for Congressman Steve King’s resignation over controversial statements
Iowa’s water quality problems aren’t new, and they’re not going away anytime soon

Iowa may be the home of “fields of opportunity,” but those fields are often draining directly into an extensive system of underground tiles and then into streams and rivers, creating a costly problem for drinking water treatment plants and for others interested in maintaining clean waterways. Although Iowa politicians, including Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, have pointed to Iowa’s water quality as a key issue, critics say progress is too slow and current efforts don’t go far enough. […]
Photos: Rally protests legislation that would remove local control of minimum wage

A group of about 60 people gathered in the Iowa City Ped Mall Wednesday afternoon to voice their opposition to House File 295, a bill that would restrict local governments from regulating things like minimum wage. Opponents of the bill say it takes aim at ordinances passed in four Iowa counties, including Johnson County, to raise the local minimum wage. […]
Public hearing on water utility legislation drew a crowd

An overflow crowd packed a meeting room and hallway Monday morning at the Iowa State Capitol Building for a public hearing on a contentious water utilities bill that would impact the Des Moines Water Works. Speakers at the hearing raised the specter of the Flint, Michigan water crisis and argued that the legislation was payback for the water works’ water quality lawsuit against three rural counties. […]
Letter: Workers’ comp legislation would shift cost of workplace injuries from businesses to taxpayers

By Saffin Parrish-Sams Business and insurance interests are trying to wipe out insurance benefits that cover every working Iowan. Workers’ compensation is a required employee benefit. It covers medical treatment, lost wages and compensation to workers injured on the job. At least that’s what it’s supposed to do. In reality, insurance companies often abuse the […]
Three public hearings in Des Moines Monday on controversial legislation

The Iowa Legislature will hold three public hearings in Des Moines on Monday to discuss legislation that would impact independent water utilities (namely the Des Moines Water Works), preempt county minimum wage ordinances and create new election regulations, including voter ID. Individuals can sign up to speak or leave a comment by visiting the legislature’s […]
Iowa City school board moves to increase support for immigrant students and families

After hearing comments from Iowa City residents, the Iowa City Community School Board moved forward with an effort to support and protect immigrant students and families. Iowa City residents spoke out in favor of a resolution supporting immigrant students and families threatened by immigration enforcement during the community comment portion of the school board meeting […]