Radio Iowa

“Set back” for efforts to expand passenger rail line to Iowa City

O. Kay Henderson — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:20:13 +0000

Using federal money to extend passenger rail service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City is less likely due to votes taken in the Iowa House and Senate Friday. Senator Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines, has been an advocate of expanding passenger rail service in Iowa. “It’s a set back,” McCoy said of [...]

Lottery fever ramps up again with latest big jackpot

Dar Danielson — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:19:59 +0000

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is already projected to be the largest in the 21-year history of the game at 600-million-dollars. Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says they urge you to play responsibly. “We always remind people to play with your head, not over your head, We don’t want to see people playing beyond their means at [...]

Legislature to be back in Des Moines next week

O. Kay Henderson — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:05:00 +0000

State legislators haven’t taken votes on a $400 million tax package. They haven’t made final decisions about the $6.5 billion state budget plan and there’s no agreement yet on an education reform package. “I think we had a great week. It would appear that we’re not going to get quite as far as we’d hoped,” House Speaker [...]

Humvees now part of state Public Safety fleet

Pat Curtis — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:43:52 +0000

The Iowa Department of Public Safety has added eight military style vehicles to its fleet. The eight Humvees were acquired through a program which allows a transfer of military equipment to law enforcement agencies at no cost to the agency. When the Iowa DPS is done using the Humvees, they’ll be returned to the military. [...]

Legislator makes appeal for “reassurance” from governor

O. Kay Henderson — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:37:07 +0000

Key legislators say there could be a breakthrough in negotiations over exactly how the state may ensure more low-income working Iowans get health care coverage. Representative Dave Heaton, a Republican from Mount Pleasant who is involved in the negotiations, puts it like this: ”I think reassurance from the governor’s office that he is respecting our [...]