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Government Policy and Law

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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: These lawyers battle corporate America – and keep its secrets

Dozens of plaintiff lawyers told Reuters they feel compelled to go along with entrenched court secrecy. The main reason, they said, is their duty to their clients, as spelled out in state bar association rules. Many plaintiffs …

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Ernst says President Trump is upset by EPA’s biofuels rules

Radio Iowa: Iowa Senator Joni Ernst said yesterday she’s talked directly with President Donald Trump about the furor over proposed EPA rules which Ernst says do not fulfill the deal Trump struck in September on …

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NOTEBOOK: D.M. attorney pushed key veteran benefits

When President Donald Trump signed legislation in August to help veterans who are navigating bankruptcy, it was a victory for a Des Moines attorney and veteran who was a key player in the negotiations.

Lt. …

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ABI names new lobbyist, promotes Crain

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry has promoted Nicole Crain to executive vice president and hired veteran lobbyist J.D. Davis to take over Statehouse duties. Crain, who was senior vice president of public policy, …

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New tax tables mean bigger paychecks

The Iowa Department of Revenue has updated income tax withholding tables for 2020 to continue to align state withholding with recent changes in Iowa’s tax laws. For individuals, this means that employers will be reducing …

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Waterloo leaders add specifics to ‘ban the box’ ordinance

Corridor Business Journal: Waterloo employers are learning more about the city’s “Fair Chance Ordinance,” which will make it the first Iowa community to join the national ban-the-box movement when it takes effect next year. After heated debate, …

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Des Moines city elections marked by runoffs, Waukee elects first woman mayor

The Des Moines mayoral race will go to a runoff after incumbent Frank Cownie and challenger Jack Hatch failed to secure a majority of votes in Tuesday’s city election. Cownie, the incumbent running for a …

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Medical marijuana board makes recommendations on PTSD, THC level

Radio Iowa: The state board which oversees medical marijuana is recommending allowing patients with post-traumatic stress disorder to qualify for Iowa’s medical cannabis program. Medical professionals approved the recommendation after saying there’s not enough scientific …

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State Treasurer’s Office names chief of staff, deputy treasurer

State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced the appointment of Karen Austin as chief of staff for the State Treasurer’s Office. Austin has worked in the treasurer’s office since 1990 and was appointed deputy treasurer in 2003. In her …

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Bondurant to offer 6-year tax abatement for rumored Amazon fulfillment center

Des Moines Register: Bondurant will waive a portion of property taxes over six years for what’s believed to be an Amazon fulfillment center being built on Hubbell Avenue, according to a development agreement that will …