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.
Lawmakers gave final approval Monday night to a $274 million infrastructure spending package, including $150 million in additional money for Gov. Chet Culver’s I-JOBS public-works program.
“I want to thank the Democratic legislators who worked tirelessly on behalf of Iowas hard working families to pass the final installment of I-JOBS,” Culver said in a statement. “Their vote was a vote for disaster recovery. It was a vote for smart growth for communities still affected by the storms of 2008. It was a vote for economic growth and job creation — at a time when Iowans need it the most. Above all, it was a vote to move forward and create a better future for all of Iowa’s families.”
Last year the legislature passed the $830 million I-JOBS bill, Culver’s signature piece of legislation. The new spending passed on a partisan vote, with no House Republican voted in support and Democrats Geri Huser of Altoona, Doris Kelley of Waterloo and Dolores Mertz of Ottosen joining them in opposition.
“Senate Republicans believe we need policies that promote long-term sustainable private sector job creation,” Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, R-Chariton, said. “All we get from Gov. Culver is more unacceptable spending, more debt and more Iowans out of work.”
The Des Moines Register has compiled a partial list of spending included in the infrastructure bill.
Lawmakers are expected to adjourn the 2010 session Tuesday and have already scheduled a post-session news conference for 9:30 a.m.
Follow Jason Hancock on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter