(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has given final legislative approval a bill that gets rid of the gender balance requirement for Iowa boards and commissions. Republican Representative Jane Bloomingdale of Northwood says it’s an antiquated law. “Gender balance often causes us to eliminate some of the most qualified candidates and that’s the last thing we want to do,” Bloomingdale says. “We want the most qualified candidates on our boards, commissions and councils.” The bill passed on a 62 to 33 vote. The 33 nos came from Democrats, like Representative Elinor Levin of Iowa City.

“We have not achieved gender parity on our boards and commissions,” Levin says. “Perhaps when we have this conversation would be worth having.” The bill passed the Senate this week and is headed to Reynolds, who says it lets people with a passion for service fill slots on boards and commissions at the state and local level.

“I just feel like the best, most qualified and somebody who wants to do it is the person we should put in that position,” Reynolds said. The governor made that comment during an interview with Radio Iowa in 2023. Gender balance has been required on all boards and commissions in state government since 1987. In 2009, the legislature passed a law to require the policy in local government. This bill repeals both laws.

(Radio Iowa) – The wife of a prison guard who was murdered by an inmate at the Anamosa State Penitentiary is calling for changes in Iowa’s collective bargaining law. Sara McFarland joined an Iowa Federation Labor rally in the state capitol on Monday.

“My heart aches as I stand here today, not just as a grieving wife, but as a voice for justice and change,” she said.\ Her husband, Robert McFarland, and prison nurse Lorena Schulte were killed nearly two years ago as two inmates attempted to escape. Sara McFarland says prison staff like her late husband should be allowed to bargain over work conditions and safety issues. Under current law, prison staff not classified as public safety officers and are only allowed to discuss their wages during union contract talks.

“I promised Robert I would not stop fighting until his brother and sister officers were safe at work…To the lawmakers that say corrections work in a controlled environment so they should not be considered public safety…talk to the officers who do this job every day, then you will see just how wrong you are,” she said. “…My husband died stopping an escape attempt and keeping the public safe.”

Other union members at the event urged Iowans to rally around union priorities like raising the minimum wage and letting Iowans see a doctor of their choice if they’re injured at work. Iowa Federation of Labor president Charlie Wishman acknowledges it will require electing new people to the state legislature and congress who support union priorities.  “I know that everybody here, you’re going to do everything you can to get your members registered (to vote)” Wishman said, “…and we’re get out and we’re going to fight.”

There was no mention of a bill pending in the legislature that would change the rules for union recertification votes before collective bargaining talks begin in state and local government.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections today (Monday) announced the appointment of Paul Cornelius as the new Chief of Staff, effective March 1, 2024. With a distinguished career spanning 22 years in State Government, Cornelius brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His proven leadership and commitment to excellence make him an excellent fit for this crucial position within the department.

In his role as Chief of Staff, Cornelius will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Iowa Department of Corrections, working closely with leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and promote a culture of innovation and accountability.

IDOC Director Beth Skinner said “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Cornelius to the Iowa Department of Corrections team. His extensive background and dedication to public service make him an invaluable asset as we continue our efforts to improve the correctional system and better serve the people of Iowa.”

Cornelius expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, in saying “I am honored to join the Iowa Department of Corrections and contribute to the important work being done to promote safety, rehabilitation, and positive outcomes for all individuals within our correctional system.”

(Carroll, Iowa) – A collision this (Monday) morning in Carroll claimed the life of a woman from Glidden. The Iowa State Patrol reports 56-year-old Lisa Feilmeier, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported by Carroll EMS to St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, where she was pronounced deceased. The crash happened at around 6-a.m. on Highway 30, just east of Griffith Road.

The Patrol says a 2011 Chevy Equinox SUV driven by Lisa Feilmeyer, was traveling west on Highway 30 in the inside lane. A 2017 Ford Fusion driven by 41-year-old Eric Hahn, of Carroll, was also westbound in the inside lane. The SUV struck the car on the rear passenger side, in front of Deluxe Animal Hospital in the inside lane westbound.

The Chevy came to rest in the north ditch on its top. The Patrol says Eric Hahn wasn’t hurt in the collision. The Patrol was assisted at the crash scene by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll EMS, Carroll Police and Carroll Fire/Rescue.