Iowa Senate OKs its plan to reorganize government
From the Des Moines Register

The Iowa Senate on Monday night approved by a 35-15 vote a complex plan to streamline state government in an effort to save money.

Before amendments, a nonpartisan analysis said the bill would account for $74 million in general fund savings.

Earlier in the day, Gov. Chet Culver urged legislators to add even more provisions to gain more savings. Read full article…

Culver touts I-JOBS at stop in Waukee
From the Des Moines Register

Gov. Chet Culver commended Waukee city staff for their work to secure one of the largest grants from his I-JOBS program during a visit to the city’s public works building on Friday.

The $3.45 million grant will pay half the anticipated cost of a new public works building, which had been on the Waukee City Council’s wish list since 2007 and was twice abandoned. Read full article…

Democratic Leaders Still Hopeful For Comprehensive Health Reform Legislation
From Medical News Today

Democratic leaders have confirmed that health reform discussions are ongoing, despite the loss of their filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, CQ Today reports (Wayne, CQ Today, 1/29). Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) on Thursday said that health reform “rested for about a week,” but “it’s not dead.”
Read full article…