Governor Reynolds Delivers “Condition of the State” Address
(Des Moines) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivered her “Condition of the State” address Tuesday 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.”
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.
Jeneary Comments On Governor Reynolds Speech
(Des Moines) — Following the Governor’s “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. Jeneary 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.
Iowa is one of two states with significant barriers to felons regaining voting rights. Reynolds says Iowans believe in the power of redemption and should have the option to vote on this change.
The proposal was made Tuesday as part of Reynolds’ Condition of the State address to lawmakers.
Reynolds also called for a constitutional amendment that would
enshrine victims rights in the Iowa Constitution. It could include
guaranteeing victims would be notified of the release or escape of the accused.
Congressman Steve King Losing Support From Republicans
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Many Republicans who supported Iowa Rep. Steve King for years despite his contentious comments about race now appear to be turning their backs him.
The shift comes at a moment when the party is grappling with its
stance on racial issues, in part because of President Donald Trump’s own inflammatory racial rhetoric and hardline views on immigration. GOP leaders also have conceded that the party must do better with minority voters.
Bob Vander Plaats, an Iowa Republican who leads the conservative group The Family Leader, says the furor is genuine but also reflects King’s narrow win in an overwhelmingly Republican district.
In a recent New York Times story, King expressed puzzlement about why terms like “white nationalist” are offensive. The House voted 424-1 Tuesday for a resolution repudiating King’s words.
U-S House Votes To Condemn Steve King’s Comments
WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has approved a Democratic measure disapproving of Republican Rep. Steve King’s comments about white supremacy.
The nine-term Iowa congressman was among those supporting the measure, which was approved, 424-1.
King says he agrees with South Carolina Democratic Rep. James
Clyburn, the resolution’s sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. King’s racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days.
King says the ideology of white supremacy “never shows up in my head” and that he does “not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth.”
Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois opposed the measure, saying the House should take the more serious step of censuring King for his “repugnant and racist behavior.”
Last week, King said in an interview, “White nationalist, white
supremacist, Western civilization – how did that language become offensive?”
Liz Cheney Calls For Steve King To Resign
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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