AGP Executive Report

Iowa Elections & Parties: Iowa Republicans and Democrats hold governor-candidate conventions June 13, with Zach Lahn naming state Rep. Derek Wulf as running mate and Rob Sand having already picked Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer. State Government & Tech: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ administration is outsourcing Iowa IT operations, with 192 state workers facing layoffs as data migration moves to Amazon’s cloud and day-to-day work shifts to Cognizant. Courts & Donor Intent: The Iowa Supreme Court rebuffed the University of Iowa’s attempt to change conditions on an endowed scholarship, sending the case back to decide what happens if the university can’t follow the donor’s rules. Public Safety: Severe storms and suspected tornadoes hit the Midwest, including Iowa, where a man died after a tree fell on a homeless encampment. Ballot Access: Iowa Libertarian candidates face GOP-backed ballot challenges over filings and signatures, with an objection panel set to review next week. Agriculture & Energy: A push for year-round E15 sales could reshape corn and soybean markets, with Iowa farmers watching Senate action closely. National Surveillance Fight: Congress failed to extend FISA Section 702, raising the odds of a lapse as lawmakers clash over intelligence powers.

Severe Weather: Tornadoes and damaging storms ripped through the Midwest, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands and canceling flights; in Iowa, a 54-year-old man died after a tree fell during storms in Des Moines. Iowa Elections: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF 2601, making Iowa the 25th state to ban foreign contributions in ballot measure elections, with new donor certification rules. State Government & Policy: USDA is pressing employees to relocate or leave as it reorganizes parts of the department, with deadlines varying by agency. Rural Health: Keokuk held a packed public meeting on the planned rural emergency hospital with Insight Health Services, focusing on stabilization care and transfer coordination. Local Civic Life: Waterloo will mark the 250th anniversary with a Field of Honor featuring 1,776 flags downtown, and volunteers are still needed. Iowa Politics Watch: Trump said he wasn’t given “proper information” before endorsing Randy Feenstra in Iowa’s GOP governor primary, after Feenstra lost to Zach Lahn.

Iowa IT Workforce Shakeup: Gov. Kim Reynolds says about 200 state IT jobs are being cut as Iowa migrates executive-branch data to Amazon and shifts day-to-day operations to Cognizant, but she claims laid-off workers will get “individualized competitive job offers” later this month. Human Trafficking Prevention: Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking hit 1,000 members statewide and launched a State Capitol advisory group to expand outreach and awareness. USDA Poultry Rule Fight: Sen. Chuck Grassley pressed USDA on delaying a poultry grower payment rule, arguing small family growers are being left out of the decision. Rail Funding Push: Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Eric Sorensen urged extending federal funding for an Amtrak Chicago-to-Quad Cities route before a July 31 cutoff. National Security Deadline: The House failed to extend FISA Section 702, making a lapse likely as Congress deadlocks over President Trump’s interim intelligence pick. Workforce Training Dollars: Iowa opened applications for the new Workforce Pell Grant, offering 8-to-15-week non-degree training for eligible Iowans. Public Safety Recognition: A Plymouth County deputy won a Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau award as a top drug recognition expert.

Statehouse & Local Finance: Dubuque city manager says a new Iowa law restricting tax-increment financing won’t force immediate changes, but could make municipalities more cautious with future developer tax breaks. Iowa Government Tech: Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa will keep an Iowa-based workforce even as the state outsources executive-branch IT to Cognizant and Amazon Web Services, cutting about 200 state jobs. Medicaid Watchdog: State Auditor Rob Sand released an audit criticizing pharmacy benefit managers, alleging “spread pricing” and year-end reconciliations that may inflate costs for Iowa taxpayers and patients. Public Safety & Community: Council Bluffs approved an ordinance barring people convicted of serious animal abuse from owning cats or dogs. Courts & Property: Marshalltown gained control of the long-abandoned UnityPoint hospital after a judge found it unsafe and a “haven for criminal activity.” Nonprofits & Housing: Heartland Hope & Homes bought its Fort Dodge ReStore building, aiming to refocus operations with the goal of long-term stability. Weather & Disruption: Severe storms and a derecho knocked out power across the Midwest, including southern Iowa, with tornado warnings reported. National Politics (Iowa tie-in): Sen. Joni Ernst appeared in the Congressional Baseball Game as Republicans extended their charity win streak.

State IT Outsourcing: Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa will outsource major executive-branch IT operations to Amazon Web Services and Cognizant Government Solutions, with about 200 state IT employees facing job losses and the administration projecting $525M in savings over a decade. Consumer Protection: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution and reimbursement available to affected Iowans. Immigration Backlog: A new analysis finds 1,274 pending family green card cases in Iowa as USCIS shifts processing priorities. Courts & Accountability: The Iowa Supreme Court reinstated the law license of a former Council Bluffs city attorney convicted of marijuana trafficking while serving in office. Local Elections: Ringgold County certified June 2 primary results, including re-election of county board members and unopposed races for treasurer and recorder. Public Safety: A Davenport man out on bond in a child sex abuse material case was arrested on new grooming and sexual exploitation charges. Education & Workforce: ALPLA opened a new Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City tied to apprenticeships and training.

State IT Overhaul: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Iowa is moving executive-branch data to Amazon Web Services, with Cognizant handling day-to-day IT, aiming to modernize systems and save taxpayers more than $525M over 10 years. Fraud Crackdown: A new Iowa law gives the Secretary of State power to dissolve fraudulent companies formed with stolen identities, targeting scam letters that falsely “welcome” homeowners as business owners. Surveillance Fight in Washington: Trump’s pick for the Office of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, is fueling fresh congressional doubt about reauthorizing FISA Section 702, with Democrats citing his past and lack of national security experience. Local Government & Public Safety: Fort Dodge is buying new traffic-signal control systems for five intersections to cut delays, while “Night to Unite” brings residents together with police and firefighters Thursday. Health & Courts: The Iowa State Appeals Board held a public hearing on a Hamilton County Hospital levy budget protest for fiscal year 2027. Animal Welfare: The Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown is pausing cat intakes and won’t respond to calls outside city limits due to strain from a Laurel case. Community Notes: Webster City’s no-fee clean-up days run Friday and Saturday, and Market Night returns Thursday with classic cars and local vendors.

Tama County Justice: A former Tama County jailer, Clayton Killian, 21, was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree; the alleged conduct dates to 2023 and he’s no longer employed by the sheriff’s office. Iowa Elections & Representation: Northwest Iowa Democrat Stephanie Steiner says she’s pursuing the Iowa House District 5 seat after losing a congressional bid; the GOP incumbent isn’t running again. Statehouse Watch: The Mills County Conference Board hired Rashelle Wohlers as the new county assessor, despite a recommendation to pick a certified assessor finalist. Water & Public Health: Central Iowa Water Works issued a mandatory lawn watering ban after nitrate levels and demand pushed treatment capacity near its limit. Consumer & Courts: Raygun, an Iowa-area T-shirt retailer, settled a pricing lawsuit over “I GOT THIS SHIRT ON SALE.” Federal Politics (Iowa ties): Sen. Chuck Grassley backs Trump’s $1.5T defense request as FISA Section 702 renewal talks heat up; Trump’s attorney general nominee Todd Blanche faces early Senate GOP roadblocks. Safe Haven: Iowa recorded its 81st Safe Haven infant surrender, with the baby placed into foster care while permanent placement is arranged.

Federal Budget Fight: Republican Chris McGowan says Washington’s $40T debt demands a constitutional balanced-budget amendment, arguing tariffs won’t fix the deficit and that Congress must face the issue head-on. Local Housing & Downtown Development: Fort Dodge City Council backed a plan to replace the long-vacant Trolley Center with a new mixed-use building using workforce housing tax credits. City Hall Contracting: Fort Dodge extended City Manager David Fierke’s contract through 2030, a move that drew a 5-1 vote split over a proposed raise. Water Crisis: Central Iowa Water Works issued a Stage 3 mandatory lawn watering ban due to elevated nitrates, stressing drinking water remains safe. State Government & Tourism: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation under the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Labor Watch: UnityPoint nurses marched to the Capitol over a Teamsters union vote still pending before the National Labor Relations Board. Iowa Courts & Elections: An administrative audit in Cass County found a one-ballot mismatch that was corrected after a rescan. Public Safety: Ottumwa charged a former educational travel program director with theft and ongoing criminal conduct tied to misuse of program funds. Federal Appointments: Trump formally nominated acting AG Todd Blanche, setting up a contentious Senate confirmation battle.

Iowa Governor Race: Democratic nominee Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his lieutenant governor running mate, pitching the ticket as “public service, not politics” and leaning on western Iowa farm roots as Sand targets a competitive November against Zach Lahn. Local Government & Courts: Iowa Supreme Court cut a pipeline-permit fine against Enterprise Products Operating LLC, ruling missing state permits fell under a single capped violation. Education: Iowa City CSD accepted Superintendent Matt Degner’s resignation after he stepped down for family reasons, with board members split on his transition request. Elections Oversight: Cass County Auditor Kathy Somers requested an administrative audit after a precinct’s paper ballots and machine count were off by one vote. Public Safety: Sioux City Council will consider a Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant to expand its license plate reader system. Agriculture & Health: USDA confirmed additional New World screwworm cases in Texas, while Iowa Pork Industry Center announced a July 7 Pork Quality Assurance Plus advisor certification session. Community: Sioux City’s electric school bus program highlights fuel savings, and a Clay County update marked National Cancer Survivors Day with a new local non-profit support effort.

Fort Dodge Development: The City Council will consider replacing the long-vacant Trolley Center with a four-story project: shops and 36 apartments, plus a workforce housing tax credit request, and it may also hire an Ames firm to design a new firehouse. Iowa Politics: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is in Des Moines backing Rob Sand’s bid to flip Iowa’s governor’s seat, setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Zach Lahn after Tuesday’s primary. Primary Results: Sand won the Democratic nomination unopposed; Lahn won the GOP nod narrowly over Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra. Higher Ed Law: A new state requirement mandates public university students take U.S. history and government courses, with supporters calling it civics reform and critics warning about ideological control. Corrections Expansion: Iowa plans three new medium-security prisons and major renovations as a habitual-offender “point system” is expected to swell the inmate population nearly 50% and cost about $2 billion. Public Safety/Policy: A new law raises Iowa’s default speed limit on most two-lane roads from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1, with changes to how minor speeding violations affect driving records. Local Elections: Mitchellville will hold a July 7 special election to fill a City Council seat. Economy/Jobs: Whirlpool is cutting another 288 jobs at its Middle Amana refrigerator plant, bringing recent Iowa layoffs to 879.

Iowa Governor Race: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is heading to Iowa to campaign with Democratic nominee Rob Sand, as Democrats push for a flip of the governor’s office and 2028 chatter grows. Iowa Politics & Elections: The GOP primary upset that set up Iowa’s governor matchup is still reverberating, with coverage focusing on how Zach Lahn’s win reshaped the state’s political math heading into November. U.S. House Watch (Iowa): Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Christina Bohannan are set for a third straight showdown after both cleared their primaries, keeping Iowa’s 1st District in play for control of Congress. Ag & Federal Policy: Congress is weighing changes that could roll back state animal welfare rules tied to the federal farm bill, a fight that directly implicates Iowa’s farm policy debates. Corrections: Iowa’s Department of Corrections says new habitual-offender sentencing rules will force the state to build three new prisons as jail populations are projected to jump nearly 50%. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Madison County diesel hit a weekly low of $4.79 per gallon (week ending May 30), with the statewide diesel average at $5.17.

Corrections Overhaul: Iowa’s Department of Corrections says Gov. Kim Reynolds’ new habitual-offender law will force the state to build three new prisons and renovate two others, projecting nearly a 50% jump in inmates over three years as capacity is already tight. Johnson County Politics: Johnson County supervisor races are set after primaries under the new district-based system: Jon Green and Phil Hemingway will face off in District 2, while V Fixmer-Oraiz secured the District 4 Democratic nomination. Wind Power Fight: A new report says Trump’s push against wind is driving “pay-not-to-play” deals that reimburse companies to abandon projects, with critics warning it’s a shift away from clean energy. Iowa Governor Race: Democrats are lining up for the Sand vs. Lahn showdown, with Rob Sand rallying with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as Iowa’s GOP nominee Zach Lahn tries to capitalize on a narrow primary upset. Immigration Law Impact: Reynolds’ sweeping immigration bill expands E-Verify and citizenship/work checks for state workers and tightens hiring and licensing requirements for Iowa schools. Surveillance Deadline: Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley warn intelligence gaps could hit if Section 702 expires June 12, urging contingency planning. Local Public Safety: Marion police report a shooting with one injured and a suspect in custody. Economy Watch: GasBuddy data shows Iowa fuel prices easing in late May, including low diesel and E85 prices in several counties.

Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a sweeping immigration bill requiring E-Verify checks for public employers and tighter work-eligibility rules for Iowa schools and licensing, after a Des Moines Public Schools superintendent arrest in 2025. Local Civil Rights: Iowa City advanced an ordinance clarifying protections against sex stereotyping as sex discrimination, after state law pushed cities to align with narrower state civil rights code. Energy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Madison County at $2.80/gal and the lowest E15 in Floyd County at $3.85/gal for the week ending May 30, as regional fuel prices remain volatile. Workplace & Economy: Whirlpool announced another 288 layoffs at its Middle Amana plant, bringing cuts to 879 since last summer. Courts & Public Safety: A federal jury awarded an Iowa man $105,000 after Newton police detained him for DUI despite breathalyzer results showing he was sober. Local Governance: Fort Madison’s fire inspection fee changes hit a procedural snag after council members mistakenly believed they passed the update. Environment & Health: A new screwworm case in Texas is prompting warnings that the threat may be larger than confirmed, with pet owners urged to keep year-round prevention.

Iowa Politics & Elections: Iowa’s June 2 primary delivered a rare wave of incumbent losses, with three Iowa House members—two Republicans and one Democrat—falling to challengers, and turnout hitting the highest since 2020, setting up a high-stakes November slate. Statehouse & Public Safety: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new school discipline law (SF 2428) aimed at improving how districts handle violent and repeated disruptive behavior, giving teachers more say on removals and returns. Courts & Civil Rights: The Iowa Supreme Court ruled the University of Iowa can’t alter a scholarship restricted to Black students to fit a U.S. affirmative action ruling, sending the matter back for how donor intent should be handled. Corrections & Criminal Justice: Iowa’s prison system says it will need three new prisons after a habitual-offender sentencing law signed this week could swell the inmate population by nearly 50% and cost about $2B. Environment & Health: Iowa’s summer meal programs expand statewide, while separate coverage highlights ongoing water pollution risks tied to fertilizer and manure runoff. Local Government: Iowa City’s City Park Pool replacement is delayed to 2027, and Fayette County supervisors set performance reviews and road safety agenda items for Monday. National/Foreign Policy: The U.S. House passed Ukraine aid and new Russia sanctions after Republicans broke with leadership, while Sen. Chuck Grassley discussed tariffs and fertilizer costs affecting Iowa farmers.

Civics in Iowa Colleges: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law requiring students at Iowa’s three public universities to take state-selected American history and American government courses starting in 2028-29, with the University of Iowa’s Center for Intellectual Freedom designated as the sole unit allowed to offer the required classes. Iowa Politics & Elections: Reynolds’ education moves land as Iowa’s GOP Senate primary remains in focus, with Ashley Hinson facing a right-leaning challenge from Jim Carlin. Statehouse Watch: Reynolds also vetoed two community-college-in-high-school rules, including one that would have let districts seek parent reimbursement if students fail or drop courses. Legal/Policy: A $15 million lawsuit tied to Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon pipeline plans is moving toward trial in Delaware. Community & Services: Iowa’s summer nutrition programs are expanding, with 530+ meal sites offering free meals and snacks statewide. Local Government: A Johnson County supervisors districting change is reshaping November races after Iowa’s 2025 law required district-based elections. Business/Regional Growth: The Greater Des Moines Partnership says it earned U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation and other national honors.

Iowa Primary Aftermath: Iowa’s June 2 primary turnout hit about 19% of registered voters (411,525 ballots cast), up from 16% in 2022, with Polk County seeing a big jump tied to high-profile races and competitive local contests. Local Elections: In Tama County, the GOP treasurer nomination will be decided at a convention after no candidate cleared Iowa’s 35% threshold—incumbent Amanda Kriegel led with 34.31%, just 10 votes short. Statehouse & Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill raising Iowa’s two-lane paved road speed limit from 55 to 60 mph starting July 1, with officials saying enforcement may tighten. Food Assistance: Double Up Food Bucks is expanding to 13 more Iowa locations, including new Cedar Rapids and Marion partners, backed by a $1 million state appropriation. Public Safety & Courts: An Iowa judge upheld Todd Mullis’ life sentence for his 2018 corn rake murder conviction, rejecting more than 100 claims. Elections Integrity: Black Hawk County’s post-election audit confirmed voting machines matched hand counts exactly. Health & Community: UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown hosted a trauma teamwork simulation with medical staff, students, and Iowa National Guard medics.