The LSA analysis of an #ialegis bill that would place restrictions on the state auditor's office is out and is eye-opening.
According to the non-partisan LSA, the bill would hinder the auditor's ability to audit roughly a dozen government programs with a total balance of $12B+.
Also from the non-partisan LSA analysis of the #ialegis auditor's office bill: it could impact the state's ability to comply w/federal requirements, possibly increasing state costs and/or causing the federal agency to take action.
During this #ialegis subcommittee on a bill that would bar businesses from requiring employees get the #COVID19 vaccination, Sen. Jim Carlin (chair) has yielded the floor completely to an anti-vaccination speaker. All other speakers gave brief comments.
In 99.99% of subcommittee hearings, the chair - even when his/her support of bill is obvious - gives speakers equal time and does not insert him/herself into the public comment period. Very different here.
Sen. Pam Jochum has interjected and asked state epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Pedati to respond to the claims and comments that were made by the previous speaker. Pedati is talking now.
Now, to be fair, Perez did say (paraphrasing here), "'This is how we've always done it' isn't alone a reason to keep doing it." But that's still not the same as offering or advocating for a clear alternative.
"Meanwhile, Congress is fighting over where to put the capital ...
(the company screams, presumably each with a different suggestion) ...
It isn’t pretty."
Hundreds of people in the Iowa Capitol rotunda this morning, on the opening day of the 2021 #ialegis session, to protest mask wearing, and in doing so putting the health of themselves and everyone else in the building at risk. #COVID19
New #ialegis Senate President Jake Chapman, R-Adel, in his opening remarks, which typically are more bipartisan and unifying in spirit, is highly critical of the Iowa Supreme Court's recent rejections of anti-abortion bills, and abortion in general.
New #ialegis Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, begins his opening remarks by asking lawmakers to stand for a moment of silence/prayer for the 4K+ Iowans and 374K+ Americans who have died from #COVID19. Wahls has worn his face mask throughout his remarks.
Good morning, Iowa. Today @IAGovernor Reynolds will deliver her first condition of the state address as governor. Her speech will begin shortly after 10 a.m. If you're stuck at work but near some internets, stay tuned here for highlights.
The ceremonies have begun. #ialegis senators have been brought into the House chamber, where #iagov Reynolds will deliver her address. We'll also get the state Supreme Court justices and state department heads.
The #ialegis House is never more full than on Condition of the State Day.
At the @AP 2018 legislative session preview forum with #ialegis leaders and #iagov.
Leaders up first.
Tweet thread threat warning: Long.
#ialegis Leader @janet4iowa says @IowaSenate Dem priorities are job growth, retirement security (see: IPERS), health care access and mental health care.
#ialegis@SenateMajority leader @SenatorDix says top priority is picking up where Senate Republicans left off last year, promoting growth, making Iowa more competitive/desirable to live and work. (He's talking about tax reform/cuts.)