Kim Reynolds

IPR's Morning Edition host Clay Masters talks with IPR state government reporter Katarina Sostaric about an election bill on Gov. Reynolds's desk that awaits her signature and about where some of her other priorities stand.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday that essential workers and people with disabilities will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in early March. The state is also launching a vaccine locator website and a phone number for seniors who need help getting an appointment.

Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate have approved $21 million for Workday, a new personnel and accounting computer program for the state, after Gov. Kim Reynolds first tried to use federal coronavirus relief funding to pay for it.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is prioritizing school choice legislation this year, including a voucher-style program for students in low-performing public schools. But opponents of the bill say it would come at the cost of students who choose to stay.

Multiple Democratic lawmakers said the director of the Iowa Department of Public Health told them on Monday that Gov. Kim Reynolds did not ask for the department’s input before removing the state’s limited mask mandate. The department and the governor’s office did not deny these reports.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has mandated that all schools in the state offer families the option of on-campus school days starting on Feb. 15.

Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposal to expand affordable housing options in Iowa had its first hearing at the Iowa Capitol Thursday, and affordable housing advocates, business groups and local government representatives expressed support for the package.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law requiring schools to provide an option for all in-person learning.

The Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs has announced its policy recommendations to Iowa lawmakers for the year 2021.

Republican leaders of the Iowa Legislature say they plan to advance legislation next week that would require all schools to provide an option for full-time in-person learning during the pandemic, a policy Gov. Kim Reynolds asked lawmakers to pass immediately.