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Radio Iowa You are here: Home Legislators create declining steps rather than ‘cliff’ in child care assistance program Rep. Ann Meyer The legislature has sent the governor a bill addressing the so-called “cliff effect” in state-funded child care assistance. Under current law, low-income Iowans who qualify for state help in paying child care expenses can lose all those benefits if they take a small raise. Representative Ann Meyer, a Republican from Fort Dodge, says the bill creates a graduated system of reduced benefits as a low-income worker’s income rises. “This allows families to...

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson The family of Tammy McNeil, owner of Childcare Discovery Center, pose during a groundbreaking ceremony where one day a new center will be built. The land is located just north of the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center. Back row, left to right: Lexi, Josh, Dave, Tammy, Brea and Courtney. Front row, left to right: Roman, 6; Tyren, 7; and Kayson, 9. -Messenger photo by Chad Thompson Kayson McNeil, 9, grandson of Tammy McNeil, owner of Childcare Discovery Center, adjusts his hard hat during a groundbreaking ceremony north of the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center...

bshea@messengernews.net The Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives are both controlled by Republicans, but they still have to negotiate some agreements with each other. That kind of dealmaking is what is going on now in the closing days of the 2021 legislative session, according to two Fort Dodge lawmakers. For those not directly involved in the talks, there is ”kind of a lot of sitting around and waiting,” state Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, said Friday. State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, said some talks were going on Friday even as he and Meyer were participating in ...

Iowa would levy a new tax of at least 20% on the sale of glass and metal pipes designed for smoking tobacco and other substances, and require the retailers who sell the pipes to obtain a separate permit, under a bill the Legislature is advancing this session.  The revenue from the tax and permit fees would support specialty courts that address substance use disorder and mental health issues, according to Senate File 363. It unanimously passed the Senate and is moving through committees in the House.  Lawmakers are still determining the amount of the tax.  The Senate approved taxi...