(Radio Iowa) – Members of the public have debated a proposal to require more frequent income checks and a new asset test for Iowans receiving food stamps or health care coverage through Medicaid. Andres Reyes, the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church, spoke in favor of the bill during a public hearing at the Iowa Capitol.

“I believe that all people are made in the image of God and so all people have value, but that value is only realized by working for what they have,” Reyes said. “One of the greatest problems in America today is depression. The number one reason is because people do not work as hard as other generations. The only way to cure the problem is to hold others accountable for working for what they have. This bill does just that.”

Valerie Petersen, associate executive director of the Foodbank of Siouxland in Sioux City, said these changes will push vulnerable Iowans farther into poverty. “These are grandparents that are now choosing between medication and food. They’re hardworking laborers that are laid off during the winter. They’re single moms that work multiple jobs and then have to make the choice between feeding themselves and their children,” she said. “They’re kids that have no say in or ability to contribute to their family’s finances.”

Darla Chappell of St. Donatus — a small town near the Illinois border, said she used to work in a bank and saw people getting government assistance from more than one state. “Please vote yes on this bill to ensure our money goes where needed and not into the pockets of liars, cheaters and frauds,” she said.

Carlyn Crowe of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council said many Iowans with disabilities will lose Medicaid coverage because of the asset test for the entire household. “Should parents of a daughter who can’t walk have to sell their second car so their daughter can get a wheelchair or her sibling’s savings account be limited because she’s on Medicaid?” Crowe asked.

The bill passed the Senate two weeks ago with the support of all 34 Republicans and opposition from all 16 Democrats. It cleared a House Committee last week and is eligible for debate in the full House.

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today (Tuesday) announced she will host a Town Hall Meeting in Adair County. Senator Ernst looks forward to hearing from constituents in the area about the issues most important to them. The Town Hall Meeting is open to the public. Details:

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Adair County Town Hall Meeting
7:45 AM
Warren Cultural Center
154 Public Square
Greenfield, IA 50849

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety has announced the graduation of the 46th Basic Academy took place on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Des Moines. The ceremony recognized a graduating class of 18 recruits who previously served as certified officers in law enforcement agencies across Iowa before entering the Academy on January 20, 2022. Lieutenant Matthew Struecker served as Camp Commander.

Conducted at Camp Dodge, the 10-week Academy training focused on completing law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, criminal law, accident investigation, human relations, physical fitness, human trafficking, motor vehicle law, domestic violence, crisis intervention for mentally ill and several other courses in law enforcement.

48th DPS Certified Academy Graduating Class

The 48th Certified Academy graduates are assigned the following badge numbers, and will serve Iowans in their respective districts. In southwest Iowa, that includes:

• Lucas Darby #107- District 2
• Austin Little #263 – District 2
• Christopher Raymer #407 – District 13
• Jacob Riley #429 – District 13

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Recruits who received special recognition for their performance include:

•    Lance Dietsch-Stanley Gerling Valedictorian Award: Cameron Theilen
•    Top Gun Award: Jacob Riley
•    Sergeant Jim Smith Meritorious Peer Leadership Award: Jesse Drahos
•    Distinguished Graduate Award: Lucas Darby
•    Earnest Baty, Jr. Physical Fitness Award: Nicholas Popp, Thomas Allen, Cameron Theilen

“We are extremely proud of these graduates and grateful to them for choosing to answer the call with the State of Iowa,” said Stephan K. Bayens, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. “At this point in history, I believe it is the most important time to be a law enforcement officer. There’s divisiveness, brokenness, and crime is on the rise. I cannot think of a more significant time for men and women to step up and bridge that gap, and I thank them for it,” Bayens added.

To view photos from the event, click here to visit the 48th Certified Academy Photo Album.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday) voted to approve an amendment to the County 5-year Construction Plan, by moving a bridge project to the current fiscal year. The bridge, #250, is on 710th Street, in the Cumberland area. County Engineer Trent Wolken made the request.

The Board also approved a resolution approving the Cass County Secondary Roads 5-year Construction Program for FY 24-through FY 29, minus the amendment with regard to Bridge 250, which was in the original plan. Wolken also provided an update on the Secondary Roads Department’s activities.

The Board heard a lengthy presentation on the FY 2022 Annual Cass County Audit, from a representative with Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Company, P.C. auditors, and recommended changes to certain procedures. Supervisor Steve Green…

In other business, the Supervisors discussed and acted on a Resolution approving the allocation of ARPA Funds to temporarily expand the role of the Cass County Wellness Coordinator, in order to address local public health priorities and assist in long-term pandemic recovery efforts. They approved $70,000 allocated for a temporary, full-time wellness coordinator, payable in FY 2023-through FY 2025.

In addition, they approved the tax sale of a county-held certificate, and the abatement or compromise of tax for the certificate. And, changes in County Employee benefits, effective July 1, 2023. The changes include:

1. Leave ISAC and elect a stand-alone health insurance plan with Wellmark, saving the county approximately $143,000 from the current premiums. The partial self-fund claims should be between $200,000 and $300,000.
2. Pay to keep the wellness program (approximately $20,000-$25,000), EAP program (approximately $4,000-$5,000) and Accident & Dismemberment Plan (approximately $10,000-$12,000).

Employees will pay a new rate of $400 per month for the family plan, and $100 for the individual plan. And, the Supervisors in Cass County received a report from Cass County Community Services Director/Judicial Mental Health Advocate, Debbie Schuler.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), approved requests for ARPA Fund projects from the Sheriff’s, EMA and Auditor’s Departments. The Board approved $28,000 for the purchase of Tasers for the Law Enforcement Center. Sheriff Jon Spunaugle explained his department’s current supply of stun guns are aging-out, and at least a couple have stopped working, even though they were never used and sat on a shelf.

The $28,000 will include an additional 18 extra cartridges to keep the devices charged and ready to use.

The Supervisors also approved a request for Motorola radio reprogramming, from Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman, in the amount of $25,000.

The request does not involve the purchase of any new hardware. And, the Board approved Unisyn Voterscanners for Auditor/Elections Commissioner Jill Ozuna, in the amount of $54,347.

In other business, the Board approved the renewal of Delta Dental Insurance, the rate for which hasn’t changed from last year. And, they approved moving their April 18th Board Meeting from 8:30-a.m. to 5:30-p.m., on that date only, for the purpose of a public hearing.