Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
House Study Bill 702, better known as Fair Share, will go before the public Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Iowa House chambers.
The bill, which would require some non-union workers to pay a fee when they receive union services, such as representation during grievances and arbitration, has been pushed for a number of years by organized labor unions. Unlike previous versions of the bill, though, the language in the current Fair Share legislation would apply only to public employees in state government’s executive branch. It would not apply to private businesses, or public unions for teachers, or city or county employees.
Groups like the Iowa Association of Business and Industry have come out fervently in opposition, saying the measure guts Iowa’s Right to Work laws. Earlier this week, the group launched a statewide radio ad campaign attacking the proposal.
Those wishing to speak at the hearing must sign up at the Legislative Information Office (LIO), Room G16, located in the Iowa State Capitol, or call 515-281-5129. If unable to attend, e-mail testimony can be submitted at lioinfo@legis.state.ia.us
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