Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 2:40 a.m. CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A plan by Republican lawmakers to quickly pass a bill that would drastically cut collective bargaining rights for Iowa public workers has several similarities to Wisconsin’s signature 2011 law that led to massive protests in that state. Labor experts say the 68-page bill introduced recently by Iowa GOP lawmakers has provisions that mirror Wisconsin’s law, which prohibited public sector unions from negotiating workers’ benefits such as health insurance and working conditions.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s large utility companies want state lawmakers to pass a law that critics say would muscle out smaller competitors from the emerging solar energy market. Solar power provides only about 1 percent of the country’s energy, but employment is growing rapidly. Indiana legislators will debate Thursday a proposed law that would eventually eliminate much of the financial benefit Indiana homeowners, businesses and some churches reap from harvesting the sun’s rays.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The head of Iowa’s prison system has ordered a temporary shutdown of several satellite prison units to deal with a $5.5 million budget cut to the agency. The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa Corrections Director Jerry Bartruff said Wednesday that units at Harpers Ferry, Clarinda and Fort Madison, which currently hold nearly 400 prisoners, will be shut down. Bartruff says services also will be suspended at the Sheldon Residential Treatment Facility, which houses 26 offenders.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law a K-12 education funding bill that school officials argue is inadequate. Branstad signed the legislation Wednesday. It would add about $40 million to Iowa’s roughly $3 billion K-12 education budget for the spending year that goes into effect in July. Democrats say the amount would lead to bigger classroom sizes, delayed curriculum offerings and teacher layoffs. Republicans say the amount is responsible spending as the state faces some budget constraints.

The Atlantic School Board Wednesday night approved a request from Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein for No School next Wednesday, Feb. 15th, so that students, parents and district patrons can attend the State Team Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines. Amstein congratulated Athletic Director Matt Alexander for pulling off a very special night Tuesday, with two Varsity basketball games and a hosting a Regional Wrestling Dual, that involved the use of a spotlight on the local wrestlers. Amstein also congratulated Wrestling Coach Tim Duff on putting together a great season and moving the team onto the State Tournament.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board discussed an amended Board Policy pertaining to Student Conduct, with regard to what is a “Dangerous Object.” Superintendent Mike Amstein said the discussion with the District’s Board Attorney followed an incident at one of the District’s facilities.  The Board also discussed a Negative Balance Policy, with regard to the District School Lunch Program. The Policy addresses lunch accounts when a student owes $10 or more. Amstein said the District is fortunate that for the past couple of years, the District has been operated in the black and didn’t have to dip into their General Fund to make up the difference. He said donations have helped to cut the cost and cover students who are behind in their payments, and the Policy simply ensures the District meet Federal and State mandates. Both times the Board waived the second reading of those policies, and approved the changes.

The Board also tabled action on approving the purchase of a 2017 Chevy Suburban from Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, for $31,938. Transportation Director Dave Eckles said he went out for a quote through a State bid contract. Eckles said even though the vehicle would be purchased through another dealership other than Deter Motor Company, Deter’s could have their nameplate affixed to the vehicle. The School Board, though, was strongly in favor of giving the local dealership a chance to try and match the bid price. If the Board eventually elects to go with the State bid, it will take three-to five weeks for the vehicle to arrive.

The District’s 2005 Suburban was totaled during an accident in Dubuque on January 10th. The 2005 vehicle will be repurchased by the District for the salvage value of $1,050, and repaired. Eckles said he thinks it can be made road worthy again. The old Suburban would only be used as a staff vehicle, however, and not to transport students.

The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the sexual abuse conviction of a Fremont County man who argued his victim’s diary should not have been used in his trial. Thomas Ingram, of Farragut, was convicted of third-degree sexual abuse, assault and lascivious acts with a child after being originally charged with several counts involving sexual abuse of his then 12-year-old stepdaughter in 2014. Ingram appealed, arguing the girl’s diary entries that detailed the abuse should not have been used as evidence in his trial.

He also said his lawyer was ineffective for not objecting to the prosecution’s used of an expert witness to vouch for the information in the diary. The Appeals Court Ruled the use of the girl’s diary was not prejudicial because it showed her dislike of the abuse and desire for the abuse to end, allowing the jury to conclude Ingram sexually abused her by force or against her will.

The court said the testimony of the expert witness may arguably have “walked the thin line between proper expert testimony and vouching for the credibility of the victim” but did not cross the lines.

(Radio Iowa)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thousands of Iowans could get pay cuts if legislation discussed in the Iowa House is approved. A GOP-led subcommittee Wednesday approved a bill banning local governments from increasing the minimum wage, a move that would reverse action taken by some of Iowa’s largest population counties.

The bill, introduced by Johnston Republican Jake Highfill, will be considered Thursday by the House Local Government Committee. The legislation would require cities and counties to abide by the state minimum hourly wage of $7.25. It would mean higher wages approved in Polk, Linn, Johnson and Wapello counties would be repealed.

Supporters of the bill say Iowa shouldn’t have a patchwork of wages, but others say local governments should be able to take action since the state hasn’t raised its minimum wage since 2009.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law a K-12 education funding bill that school officials argue is inadequate. Branstad signed the legislation Wednesday. It would add about $40 million to Iowa’s roughly $3 billion K-12 education budget for the spending year that goes into effect in July.

The Republican-controlled House and Senate voted along party lines to approve the bill. GOP lawmakers supported the bill after hours of debate in which Democrats argued the small increase would lead to bigger classroom sizes, delayed curriculum offerings and teacher layoffs.

Republicans say the amount is responsible spending as the state faces budget constraints. Branstad recommended about $78 million more for K-12 education last month, though he didn’t reference that fact in a press release announcing his decision.