Iowa
Election 2024: How changes to Iowa education could drive voter turnout
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Since the last election, Iowa lawmakers have passed sweeping changes to education. That includes creating private school vouchers, banning books that depict sex acts from school libraries, and restructuring of the Area Education Agency system.
Democrats are trying to use these changes to try and win back seats in the legislature.
At the Iowa Democratic Party’s Liberty and Justice Celebration Saturday, Democrats centered their speeches mainly around education and abortion.
Retiring Iowa Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum said, “I know first-hand how important the Area Education Agencies are to every child and every family who has a child with special needs. You never mess with Mama Bear.”
Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said, “Iowans hate vouchers and we’re going to make ‘em pay.”
IDP Chair Rita Hart said, “Iowa Democrats value our educators and we are ready to go to bat for you.”
University of Iowa Political Science Professor Tim Hagle says in this election, No Party voters will make the difference. “Those No Party voters by and large tend to focus on, you know, the kitchen table issues. Jobs, the economy, healthcare but also kids. And especially if you’re talking about how their kids are going to be doing in school,” Hagle said.
Hagle says he expects Democrats to make the case that due to these changes passed by Republicans, schools are in tough shape. If voters buy that message, he says they could have some success.
But – Hagle says Republicans will try to appeal to No Party voters as well. “Republicans are going to make counter argument saying, ‘Well, the reorganization of the AEAs was needed and the voucher program provides education opportunities for, you know, kids that may be in schools that don’t aren’t a good fit for them for whatever reason,” Hagle said.
Hagle says 40% of Iowans are registered as Republican, 30% are registered as Democrat, and another 30% are no party.
Hagle says Republicans are doing a better job at registering new voters than Democrats. “The last couple cycles, Republicans have done very well in terms of new party registrations and party switches which is why they have the plurality at this time,” Hagle said.
Hagle also adds that Iowans like incumbent lawmakers and aren’t likely to vote them out unless they’ve done something wrong.
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Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Television-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV or on X/Twitter @ConnerReports.
Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa women’s soccer grabbed a, 1-0 win over South Dakota State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kenzie Roling scored the game’s only goal in the first half.
Fernanda Mayrink came up big in goal for the Hawkeyes. She saved a penalty kick in the second half that would have tied it.
Up next, Iowa will take on LSU in the second round on November 20th.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
Iowa
Well Known & Highly Respected Businessman From Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes Passes Away – Explore Okoboji
(Spencer)– A well known and highly respected businessman in Spencer and the Iowa Great Lakes Area has passed away.
Toby Shine joined Shine Brothers full time in 1960. He later went on to start up a wire cutting and auto shredding business in Spencer in the mid 1980’s, serving as owner and President of the company. Shine was also very active in the Spencer and Iowa Great Lakes communities. He developed the Pelican Ridge housing development on the east side of Arnolds Park and later went on to build and operate a vintage car restoration business and museum just off Highway 86 in West Okoboji. Shine was also known for his involvement in philanthropy and played a major role with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation’s Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute.
Funeral arrangements for Toby Shine are pending with Warner Funeral Home in Spencer.
Iowa State’s Audi Crooks helping hometown community during government shutdown
Iowa State star Audi Crooks is providing care packages for local families impacted by the suspension of SNAP during the government shutdown.
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history ended late Thursday, Nov. 12, and many Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are wondering when they will receive their next payments.
Amid the shutdown, the Trump administration paused SNAP payments on Nov. 1 for approximately 12% of Americans, or 41.7 million people, who rely on cash cards known as Electronic Benefits Transfer to purchase food. States then sued the administration, sparking a back-and-forth in courts before eventually reaching the Supreme Court.
Here’s the latest on SNAP benefits resuming with the government reopening.
When will November SNAP benefits be available in Iowa?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the SNAP program, gave the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services the green light to issue full SNAP benefits for November, according to Iowa HHS.
“Benefits are being loaded onto cards now and could be available later today, Thursday, Nov. 13,” according to Iowa HHS’ website. “Iowa HHS anticipates that all SNAP benefits will be issued by Friday, Nov. 14.”
What is the Iowa EBT balance phone number?
Iowans can check their EBT balance by calling 1-800-359-5802 or by logging in to their EBT account online or through the ConnectEBT mobile app.
Who’s eligible for SNAP benefits in Iowa?
To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen national of the U.S.
- You must be a resident of Iowa
- You must meet income guidelines for gross and net income limits
- You must provide a Social Security number or proof that you have applied for one
- You must live in a legal SNAP household. This is defined as people who live together, buy food together, and prepare meals together
How much money you receive from SNAP is determined by how much you earn from your job, as well as other income you may receive, such as Social Security. The number of people who live with you also determines how much money you may receive.
How many Iowans have received SNAP benefits this year?
More than 267,000 Iowans received $45 million worth of SNAP benefits in May, according to the USDA.
USA TODAY reporter Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
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