(Radio Iowa) – Local Republican committees in at least six Iowa counties have voted to censure U.S. Senator Joni Ernst for her vote to have the federal government recognize same-sex marriages. The move means all states must recognize same-sex marriages from other states, but Ernst says it does not force states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

“Iowa has recognized same-sex marriage since 2009,” Ernst says. “The vast majority of Iowans, even a majority of Republicans, do support same-sex marriage.” County party officials who’ve criticized Ernst say her vote violates the Iowa G-O-P’s platform, which calls for the REPEAL of laws that recognize same-sex marriage.

“After hearing directly from Iowans and taking a close look at the amended language that was presented in the Senate, I believe that the bill does protect religious freedoms,” Ernst says. “and it simply maintains the status quo in Iowa.” Woodbury County Republicans have not voted to censure Ernst, but the group’s Facebook page features a local pastor criticizing Ernst for denying what the pastor refers to as Biblical law.

During a conference call with Iowa reporters, Ernst said the bill codified exemptions for religious institutions that do not wish to recognize same-sex unions.  “This is incredibly important that I get these points out,” Ernst says. “The bill does not provide a federal right for same-sex marriage.” According to Ernst, the bill also has new and explicit protections for non-profit religious organizations. Ernst was among a dozen Republican senators who supported the bill. And Ernst says she understands there are a number of efforts to censure her for that vote.

“I stand by my vote,” Ernst told reporters, “and I hope that more people will actually read the bill and understand that we have just improved upon religious liberty protections, not just in Iowa but across the United States.” This summer, the Mahaska County G-O-P voted to censure Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of LeClaire for her support of the initial bill on same-sex marriage. On December 1st, the Des Moines County G-O-P voted to condemn both Miller-Meeks and Ernst.

The Wright County G-O-P’s Central Committee is another group that’s voted to censure Ernst and its Facebook page is calling for a constitutional amendment defining legal marriage as the union between one man and one woman.

(Radio Iowa) – State tax collections are continuing to grow significantly, but tax cuts that take effect soon will likely alter that trend. Net state tax revenue is up six-point-seven percent over the past five months. Jeff Robinson, a fiscal analyst for the Legislative Services Agency, notes the top state income tax rates for individuals and corporations will be reduced January 1st.

“Retirement income will become exempt from income tax,” Robinson says. “In addition, the state’s inheritance tax will be further reduced.” In October, a panel of experts predicted those cuts will lead to a two-point-seven percent reduction in total state tax collections.

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets again this Wednesday to review the latest data and settle on a new prediction. The panel’s total tax estimate will be used as a starting point for state budget decisions.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A man wanted on a Mills County warrant for Probation Violation, was arrested today (Monday), in Red Oak. The warrant for 50-year-old Floyd Raymond Henry II, of Red Oak, was based on the original charges of a Controlled Substance Violation, and Carrying Weapons. Henry was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $10,000 bond, while awaiting extradition to Mills County.

(Atlantic, Iowa, 12/12/22) – This fall, the Atlantic Lions Club pancake supper and bake sale raised $2,500 for free mental health support groups in Cass County organized by NAMI Southwest Iowa (the Southwest Iowa affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, otherwise known as NAMI). Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh says NAMI Southwest Iowa currently offers in-person peer support groups at 2:00 PM on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic (1607 Hazel St., Atlantic, IA 50022), as well as virtual peer support groups at 10:00 AM every Monday and 6:30 PM every Thursday. NAMI Southwest Iowa also offers a virtual family support group at 6:30 PM on the first Tuesday of the month. Additional NAMI Southwest Iowa in-person support groups are available in Clarinda and Council Bluffs.

NAMI Southwest Iowa Executive Director, Anna Killpack, who attended the pancake supper with her son and his friends, said “This donation means so much to us,” said . “NAMI support groupsprovide community and understanding to people struggling with mental health challenges. Connection with others is so important for all of us – we need to know that we are not alone. The recognition from such a prominent community club, such as the Lions Club, speaks volumes in our effort to normalize taking care of our mental health.” Atlantic Lions Club Member Vicki Nordskog commented, “The Atlantic Lions Club cares about people in our community, and we know mental health support is a huge need for many.”

From L to R, NAMI Southwest Iowa Board President Jason Swain, NAMI SWIA Executive Director Anna Killpack, Brigham Hoegh, and Atlantic Lions Leon Hodges and Vicki Nordskog (Photo supplied)

Mental health was identified as the top health need in Cass County in the 2021 Cass County Community Health Needs Assessment. NAMI peer-led support groups are free and for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a brain health condition. No diagnosis is required to attend. NAMI Family Support Groups are free, peer-led support groups for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms. Participants of both groups gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and groups are led by trained leaders.

As their website states, NAMI believes the battle against mental illness is something that doesn’t have to be fought alone. In addition to free support groups, NAMI Southwest Iowa offers free educational classes and presentations on mental illness. For more information on all NAMI Southwest Iowa services, visit https://namisouthwestiowa.com/ or contact info@namisouthwestiowa.com or 712-542-7904.

Each NAMI Southwest Iowa support group costs approximately $3,000 a year to fund. Program costs include print and digital marketing, staff time to coordinate and promote the groups,
program leader stipends and mileage, supplies such as resource materials, and group snacks. Thanks to an annual commitment of $500 from Cass Health, and the donation of free meeting space at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, NAMI Southwest Iowa has now secured funding to offer the peer support group in Cass County through 2023. If sufficient funding is raised, there could also be an in-person family support group offered in Cass County, in addition to the peer support group. Individuals and organizations interested in contributing funding for these support groups can contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870 for more information.

Healthy Cass County is a community-focused volunteer network formed to promote the health and well-being of Cass County residents. For information on community wellness events or
resources, follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty. Healthy Cass County welcomes participants from across Cass County. Reach out to Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or call 712-249-5870 for more information.