In caucus news…potential presidential contender Scott Walker continues to lead the latest polls, but his lead is slipping in Iowa. According to today’s Quinnipiac University poll, Walker leads the pack with 18 percent of the Republican vote, with Donald Trump and Ben Carson behind at 10 percent. Recently-announced candidate Chris Christie brings up the rear with a mere 1 percent of the Iowa vote.
We may not have a budget yet, but we have begun a new year for state laws. One measure would allow sledding in more public parks next winter by protecting cities from liability if people are injured. Another would allow grocery stores to sell craft beer in refillable containers.
The University of Iowa Health Care enterprise is exploring a fast-track medical degree and more research opportunities. Medical affairs officials at the school are looking into the possibility of creating a six or seven year combined bachelor’s and MD degree in the future….as well as using more technology for virtual training.
State-run mental health facilities in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant are officially closed today, with the anticipation of Governor Branstad vetoing the state legislation’s budget that would keep the facilities open for another year. Branstad has maintained that he wants to shift to community-based mental health services.
Iowa’s attorney general is monitoring a lawsuit against the EPA on the Waters of the U-S rule. 13 other attorneys general have filed suit against the rule, calling it an overreach of the Clean Water Act. Tom Miller says he’s pleased with the rule’s farm exemptions, but is keeping an eye on the way it will be implemented.
A former Iowa egg farm manager gets to skip jail time after cooperating with investigators in a criminal case stemming from a 2010 salmonella outbreak. A federal judge sentenced Tony Wasmund to four years of probation yesterday after the government said he provided “substantial assistance” in the salmonella case.
Iowans will have plenty of presidential candidates to choose from over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Bobby Jindal, Martin O’Malley, Bernie Sanders, Rand Paul, and Mike Huckabee all have stops over the next three days…with many hosting town hall meetings with voters and walking in local parades.
There’s a local group of non-profits that wants to put children’s issues at the forefront of the Iowa caucuses. Children’s Policy Coalition put out a report today that lays out six areas presidential candidates need to focus on while campaigning around the state…they include healthy development, early learning, school success, safety and permanence, economic security, and equality.
18 counties are now included in a disaster proclamation because of last week’s storms. With the proclamation, the state can help residents impacted by a tornado that hit parts of Wapello County and residents affected by other severe weather and flooding.
What to do about ISIS and the Middle East crisis is a hot topic among the presidential candidates…but it’s also an issue being brought up to Iowa’s congressional delegation. Congressman David Young says it’s not just the threat of ISIS overseas that has his constituents worried. He says voters are asking what he’ll do to prevent Americans from joining ISIS and setting up plans in the states.
