AABP EP Awards 728x90

Government Policy and Law

DSC 6869

Move to restore felon voting rights in Iowa collapses

Cedar Rapids Gazette: A proposal to restore the voting rights of felons after they complete their sentences — a priority for Gov. Kim Reynolds — hit a roadblock Thursday and no longer will be considered this …

DSC 6869

Iowa lawmakers consider moving State Historical Building

Cedar Rapids Gazette: A legislative panel is considering options for the State Historical Building, including a move to the State Fairgrounds, given the building’s need for up to $50 million in repairs. Lawmakers on the …

DSC 6869

GSA isn’t budging on site for new federal courthouse

The U.S. General Services Administration is determined to develop a $136 million federal courthouse at a downtown Des Moines location that many believe will serve an injustice to development along the Des Moines River.

In an email …

DSC 6869

Axne seeks to revive federal tax credit for advanced biofuels

Radio Iowa: Iowa Rep. Cindy Axne has introduced a bill that would make permanent an expired federal tax credit for cellulosic or biofuels. Axne, a Democrat from West Des Moines, said reviving the $1.01 per gallon …

DSC 6869

Iowa Court of Appeals sides with Modern Piping in UI Children’s Hospital dispute

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Years after a local contractor sued the University of Iowa to be paid for millions of dollars of work on the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, appellate judges ruled Wednesday — again — …

DSC 6869

Until they meet again

Local business and elected officials will not meet Friday with representatives of the U.S. General Services Administration to discuss plans for a new federal courthouse on prime downtown Des Moines development property.

The meeting, called …

DSC 6869

Hurd takes Fleet Farm to Waukee

The Waukee Planning and Zoning Commission has approved an initial plat for a 187,834-square-foot Fleet Farm retail building that Hurd Real Estate Services plans to develop on a nearly 20-acre property north of Interstate 80 …

DSC 6869

Former state Supreme Court Justice Hecht dies

Former Iowa Supreme Court Justice Daryl Hecht, who retired in December to undergo treatment for melanoma, has died, according to a release from the Iowa Judicial Branch. Hecht, 66, was appointed to the court in …

DSC 6869

Senate Finance Committee investigates abuse reports at Iowa care contractor linked to Mentor Network

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon of the Senate Finance Committee are seeking information into a private disability care network after recent reports of abuse, neglect and a possible death — …

DSC 6869

Underfunding, other program challenges led to UnitedHealthcare’s exit, executive says

Cedar Rapids Gazette: A UnitedHealthCare executive on Monday disputed state officials’ version of why the company is pulling out of the state’s Medicaid managed-care program. The loss of millions of dollars due to underfunding of Medicaid …