Governor Reynolds Delivers The “Condition of the State” Address Saying Iowa Is The Land Of Opportunity And Second Chances
(Des Moines) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivered her “Condition of the State” address this morning to the state legislature. The governor spoke for nearly 45 minutes, and her theme could be referred to as: “Iowa is the land of opportunity, and second chances.”
(photo contributed)
The Republican Governor informed the legislature that Iowa’s condition is in good shape, but more needs to be done.
Reynolds touched on various subjects from education, mental health, to revitalization of Iowa rural communities, and it even included voting rights and employment opportunities given to inmates, once they have concluded their sentences.
*Audio of the governor’s address was provided by Iowa Public Television.
State Representative Tom Jeneary Offers Reaction To Reynolds’ Speech
(Des Moines) — Following the “Condition of the State” address, KLEM news visited with Dr. Tom Jeneary for his thoughts on the Governor’s speech.
Jeneary is a newly elected State House Member representing most of Plymouth County and the northern tier of Woodbury County. He says he generally liked what he heard.
Reynolds also addressed the state’s education commitment, saying she would like to divert more money to education.
The governor is asking the legislature to approve a total education budget amounting to $3.4 Billion dollars. The governor spoke about revitalizing Iowa’s rural communities, and one way to do so would be to install broadband internet capabilities to all rural areas. Jeneary says he liked what the governor had to say on that topic.
Jeneary says during the governor’s speech she asked for an increase of $11 million dollars for health care, especially child mental health services.
Liz Cheney Calls For Steve King To Resign From Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) – The No. 3 House Republican is suggesting that Rep. Steve King leave Congress over his remarks about white supremacy.
Wyoming Republican Liz Cheney on Tuesday said of King, “I think he should find another line of work.”
Republican leaders have made serving in Congress uncomfortable for King over his remarks in the New York Times last week questioning how white supremacy and white nationalism became offensive terms. House and Senate
leaders condemned the remarks, and GOP leaders moved this week to deny him any committee assignments.
Republican leaders noted that King has for years made racially
insensitive remarks. Cheney said the most recent ones are “absolutely abhorrent. It’s racist. We do not support it or agree with it.”
The nine-term Iowa congressman says he’s advocating for Western civilization, not racism.
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Grassley Understands Why King Was Stripped From House Committee Assignments
(Washington) — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says it’s no surprise fellow Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King is being punished for his comments about white supremacy. Grassley notes Republican House leaders have stripped King of his committee assignments and some Democrats are calling for King’s censure.
“That’s entirely within the view of the House of Representatives,” Grassley says. “When I was a member of the House of Representatives, I’ve seen that sort of punishment done by the House, both censure as well as being deprived of committees.” On Monday, King was removed from three panels, the Agriculture and Small Business committees as well as the powerful Judiciary Committee. Grassley says he understands the actions of House G-O-P leaders who say King’s remarks won’t be tolerated.
“I’ll have to accept their judgment on it. I don’t disagree with the judgment,” Grassley says. “I’m not surprised House Republicans took this step. It’s happened in the past when I was a member of the House because a particular member dishonors the chamber.” King says his comments were “completely mischaracterized” and that booting him from the committees is “a political decision that ignores the truth,” yet Grassley and other Republicans are distancing themselves from King.
“Under our constitution, I have to respect their decision,” Grassley says. “I strongly disagree with any comments supporting white supremacy. It’s offensive and it’s not a view that I hold.” Grassley says while King won’t be able to represent the people of Iowa’s Fourth District in committee action, he’ll still be able to voice opinions on any issues that comes from those committees when they go before the full House for a vote.
Sioux City Officials Want To Develop River Front
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City officials are considering a $16.4 million plan for its riverfront, though there are concerns there’s not enough parking space.
The Sioux City Journal reports that architecture company SmithGroup JJR presented council members with the updated plan Monday.
Landscape architect Tom Rogers says the plan includes interactive structures that light up and change color. The plan also includes open green spaces, pavilions, overlooks, a basketball court, a dog park, a playground and a fishing pier platform.
Rogers says work on the project could begin in 2020 and finish in
2023.
The council has tentatively designated $6 million in city funds for
the project. Organizers will have to turn to private fundraising.
Mayor Bob Scott says he’s concerned that the current plan for 67
parking spaces doesn’t have enough room.
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Linkedin Scam
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A LinkedIn account that impersonated University of Iowa’s president and privately asked people for money and financial information has been shut down.
University spokeswoman Jeneane Beck says the account purporting to belong to UI President Bruce Harreld was a scam. She says the school was alerted to it Sunday and worked to have it removed.
By then, the fake account had more than two dozen connections,
including John Batchelor, who recently earned an Iowa State University graduate degree.
The Harreld impersonator sent Batchelor greetings through private message, then said he was very busy and asked Batchelor to do him a favor and send him $500 in iTunes gift cards for his nephew’s birthday.
The scammer asked Batchelor to send his bank account information so that he could pay him back Monday.
Beck says the university isn’t aware of anyone actually falling for
the scam.
Marshalltown Man Imprisoned For Stabbing Father
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) – A man has been imprisoned for stabbing his 70-year-old father at the central Iowa home they shared.
Marshall County District Court records say Brian Wengert was
sentenced Monday to 14 years. A jury had found Wengert guilty of willful injury, assault with intent to inflict serious injury and two other crimes.
Authorities say Wengert stabbed his father several times during an Oct. 21, 2017, altercation at their State Center home. Wengert’s mother lives there as well, but authorities say she was not injured.
Firefighters Pull Unconscious Man To Safety
EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) – Firefighters battling a house fire in northeast Iowa have pulled an unconscious man to safety.
Evansdale firetrucks were sent to the home around 3:20 a.m. Tuesday after a neighbor called 911 to report smelling smoke. Evansdale Fire Chief Ryan Phillips says the man was found in the living room of the one-story structure and was taken to a hospital. His name hasn’t been released.
The fire cause is being investigated. It appears to have started in
the kitchen.
