POLITICS

Iowa Senator Doug Campbell of Mason City says students are getting a good deal with a Senate bill that advanced last week.
“Under this bill, the state would be spending $8,133 per student in Iowa, not including local or federal sources of money. Including all sources of funding – state, federal and local – Iowans are investing over $19,200 per student. The state’s funding formula for how much public-school districts can spend on operations each year uses the district’s certified enrollment multiplied by a per-pupil amount, which is $7,988 this year and would be bumped up to $8,133 next year under the bill,” Campbell said. “This proposal was passed by the Senate (last) week. Public school enrollment has declined, and school employees have increased. This expenditure represents 50% of the state’s budget.”
But Democrats want to spend more.

“Week five of the legislative session focused on advancing policies that support Iowa’s agricultural community, strengthen economic growth and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Rep. Shannon Latham. “House Committees took action this week on legislation ranging from right-to-repair protections for farmers to statewide initiatives addressing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Lawmakers also reviewed insurance trends impacting Iowa drivers and introduced measures aimed at improving accountability within public assistance programs. Alongside committee work, it was a pleasure to welcome constituents and student advocates to the Capitol to discuss their group’s priorities.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) challenged Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to explain how fraud was allowed to flourish and go unpunished in his state and gave her January Squeal Award to Governor Tim Walz for allowing scammers to rip off taxpayers.

NORTHWOOD – The following are the expenses paid by Worth county and Board of Supervisor meeting minutes for the period ending on February 9, 2026:

“As funnel week approaches, the senate is considering proposals centered around the many issues in which Iowans have shown concern. It is very important legislation begins moving forward,” the Senator said this week.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Legislature is in session and currently considering proposals for school spending that may limit the ability of school districts to spend more money in the future.

CLEAR LAKE — Casey Callanan announced today that he is seeking re-election to the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, citing his commitment to the community he calls home and confidence that the county is moving in the right direction.

DES MOINES – A tax-exempt pro-LGBTQ group is warning that the Iowa House of Representatives is discussing two bills that “are targeted at LGBTQ Iowans” while others believe the bills offer common sense and are not unfair in any way.

On Monday, February 9th, the Iowa House will hold hearings on a bill that may impact how towns pass ordinances that give special treatment towards LGBTQ persons and another bill that allows parents to raise their children without certain government intervention.

LAKOTA, IOWA – Initial caucus polling results from multiple counties in Iowa’s Fourth District show that Christian Schlaefer’s grassroots congressional campaign is resonating strongly with voters, despite entering the race as a true outsider and first-time candidate.

“Work during Week 3 of the 2026 Iowa legislative session focused on public safety, conservation, and community partnerships. House Republicans introduced a tough-on-crime legislative package aimed at holding repeat offenders accountable,” Rep. Latham said. “The first bill implements a ‘Three-and-Done’ Strike System.”

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds introduced legislation this week to the Iowa House and Senate to align per pupil funding and educational opportunities available for public charter school students with those who attend traditional public schools.

MASON CITY – The 2026 Cerro Gordo County Republican Precinct Caucuses will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 7 P.M. All Cerro Gordo County precincts will report to Mason City High School, 1700 4th St SE, Mason City, Iowa.