DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – In a largely symbolic move, a state lawmaker in the Iowa Senate has introduced a resolution to end same-sex marriage. The resolution calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Obergefell v. Hodges, the federal case that legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. It also argues Iowa has the right to regulate marriage for Iowa citizens. Iowa’s Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 after ruling the state’s law limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples was in direct violation with the equal protection clause in the Iowa Constitution. Wednesday’s resolution was introduced by state Senator Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville).
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau/KCRG) – Iowa lawmakers have been told by their leadership to head back to Des Moines. Even though Republicans hold two thirds of the seats in both the house and senate and work with a Republican governor, they have been divided for weeks on some major issues. The house hasn’t debated since April 24th and the senate since April 29th. Republicans have made some progress on spending plans for the next year and plan to discuss those Thursday. Budget disagreements held up policy matters. Those include pharmacy benefit manager reforms, different bills eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and eminent domain reform. Republicans also haven’t addressed what they said going into session was their number one issue – property taxes. Lawmakers hope to finish their work for the year this weekend. However, one potential hiccup is 12 Republican senators who have said they won’t vote to pass a budget until an eminent domain reform bill is passed. If they stick to their word, Republicans most likely will not have enough support to pass their own budget.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (KCRG) – Riverside Casino made what may be its last push on Wednesday to block a Cedar Rapids casino. The Linn County Gaming Association got its gaming license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission back in February, but Riverside Casino filed a court petition challenging it. It stands to lose the most revenue to the new competition. Riverside’s argument comes down to the words “may continue”. In 2021, 55% of Linn County voters said yes to a ballot question on whether gambling operation in the county “may continue”. Riverside’s attorneys argued that may have confused voters. Since there was no casino in Linn County, a yes vote may have been a vote to keep it that way. Riverside said that invalidates the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s approval of a gaming license for Linn County earlier this year. The judge now has two months to make a decision. But he said he expected to issue one sooner than that.
VAN HORNE, Iowa (KCRG) – A juvenile has been arrested in connection to threats made to the Benton Community School District, district leaders said Wednesday. The first threat at the middle and high school on Tuesday forced the cancellation of practices and the building was placed in a “hold,” meaning students and staff were required to stay in their classrooms behind locked doors. A second threat was reported Tuesday evening, and a third threat was reported Wednesday morning. In a statement released Wednesday, the district said the person responsible for the threat has been identified and is in custody. The person is a juvenile, and is not being publicly identified by law enforcement at this time. The juvenile is being charged with reporting false information of an act of terrorism to a law enforcement authority, a Class D felony.
