DES MOINES – The Iowa Legislature returned to work for its 90th session today, dominated by Republicans.
The 90th Iowa General Assembly opened today in the state capital of Des Moines. Lawmakers arrived and were sworn in, many surrounded by friends and family. The Legislature session is scheduled for the next 110 days. Laws will be introduced in committees, debated; some will move forward, some will not. Those that survive committee may be voted on by the House and Senate and then face scrutiny by the governor, Kim Reynolds.
The Legislature is dominated by Republicans, with a 64-36 majority in the House and 34-16 majority in the Senate. Iowa is a “red state” with little tolerance for liberal ideas. Among the issues that are top priority for the ruling Republicans are school vouchers, reproductive “freedoms,” guns, crime, and taxes.