The U.S. Senate failed to debate a criminal justice bill yesterday when Democrats refused to allow debate. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst spoke in favor of the bill introduced by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and noted the Iowa legislature’s bipartisan efforts on the topic earlier this month. Both Ernst and U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley expressed disappointment that Democrats blocked the bill from debate.
More than 100 workers at an internet domain registrar and web hosting service in Hiawatha learned yesterday that the company has implemented a restructuring in response to a changing business environment…and many may lose their jobs. GoDaddy, Inc., said due to struggles with its outbound sales unit in the United States, 814 employees were either departing, relocating, or transitioning to other roles within the company. Of those, 134 of those jobs are at its Hiawatha facility. The company said it offered them chance to move to a consolidated sales center in Arizona, with some eligible to shift from the outbound to inbound business unit. Those who are departing the company are being placed on paid administrative leave immediately through September 1.
The latest state crop conditions report was issued before the week’s heavy rains…it shows Iowa’s corn condition rated 85% good to excellent. Soybean emergence reached 96%, 16 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean condition rated 84% good to excellent. The rate of oats headed progressed to 71%, 1 week ahead of last year but 1 day behind average. Oat condition rated 83% good to excellent.
The University of Northern Iowa and Des Moines Area Community College are teaming up to help minority students earn degrees through UNI. The “2+2” program will launch at the DMACC Urban Campus…students will complete their first two years at DMACC, with the remaining two years completed online through UNI. The program received $1 million for the cause from Mark and Jill Oman, both University of Northern Iowa alumni and residents of West Des Moines. Degree options include Bachelor of Liberal Studies or Criminal Justice.
The Cedar Rapids City Council approved payments totaling up to $1.2 million dollars over a class-action lawsuit concerning the city’s traffic cameras. The settlement agreement is pending court approval at a hearing later today. The settlement would end a lawsuit that challenged its collection program for unpaid traffic camera tickets. The settlement covers citations issued to 20,090 class members. If approved, the city agrees to issue payments of $250 to each named plaintiff, and give refunds to class members whose claims have received court approval, up to $639,252. The city also agrees to pay attorney’s fees of more than a half million dollars.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is anticipating losing $100 million from the coronavirus pandemic. The hospitals are now making cuts. Workers making $50,000 or more a year will have to take two weeks off unpaid or give up 100 hours of otherwise paid vacation time. Those making less will take a week off or give up 50 hours. University of Iowa Hospitals CEO Suresh Gunasekaran said the hospital will be able to avoid layoffs with this plan. However, beginning next month, hospital employees who make $50,000 or less will earn a 2% raise.
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, Sen. Joni Ernst was one of those questioning legal experts about China’s responsibility for worsening the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the Trump Administration early on blocked travel to this country from China. She noted that China’s failure to accurately report the spread of the disease unnecessarily caused Americans to become ill or die.
They won’t top the record-setting numbers from a year ago, but Iowa Lottery Authority revenues will exceed projections for the fiscal year ending this month despite a coronavirus-related slowdown in sales. Lottery game sales increased by $15.4 million and proceeds grew by $6.3 million, Lottery officials told the board this week. Prizes were $19.4 million ahead of budget. Through the first three quarters of fiscal 2020, lottery sales were running 1.8 percent ahead of last year’s record pace; but the COVID-19 pandemic changed that. However, in recent weeks, officials say lottery game sales seem to have stabilized.
Iowa Senate Democrats are calling for Gov. Kim Reynolds to quickly sign an executive order allowing felons to vote once they have completed their sentences. But voting right experts say the details of her directive are just as important as the timing of her action. In a letter sent yesterday, the 18 Democratic senators asked Reynolds to sign an order without exceptions or limitations by Independence Day; the governor has already said she would sign an order before this November’s election day. Experts on voting rights say the way she frames the order will significantly impact the number of felons who will register and vote, including what it means to “complete a sentence”…namely if payment of victim restitution is a requirement.
