Drought Discussion: The state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host a free online webinar May 10-11 to discuss drought conditions in Iowa.
DOT promotion: Ryan Ridout has been promoted to chief of motor vehicle enforcement for the Iowa Department of Transportation, the agency’s law enforcement organization.
IN THE NEWS
Postponement of mental health funding, tax cut
As the 2021 legislature closed, state lawmakers removed obstacles to ensure state income tax cuts begin in 2023, doubled eligibility for a childcare tax credit, phased state inheritance tax, and shifted funding for psychosocial benefits from local property taxes to the state and expiring state funding to support local governments that have lost property taxes due to tax cuts. All of the elements were part of a compromise package as Republican leaders negotiated their respective wish lists for the meeting.
Veteran found: The Defense POW / MIA accounting agency announced that William D. Tucker, 19, from Bedford, firefighter 1st class, killed in World War II, was held accountable on December 3, 2020. Tucker will be buried in his hometown on June 30, 2021.
Elective bill: A Conservative advocacy attorney whose chairman claimed he was heavily involved in drafting the new Iowa electoral law has now told state regulators that the group did not cooperate with state lawmakers in drafting the law.