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The longest-serving Republican in the Iowa Legislature says he'll become a Democrat.
Rep. Andy McKean announced his decision today, saying one important factor was the presidency of Republican Donald Trump. McKean says he can't support Trump, and if his behavior and leadership is the new normal, "I want no part of it."
McKean, a 69-year-old retired attorney from the eastern Iowa city of Anamosa, first entered the House in 1979 and served seven terms. He left the legislature but returned to the Senate in 1993 and served three terms. He then won election to the House in 2016 and was re-elected in 2018. He's now served nearly 29 years in the Legislature.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds isn't saying whether she'll sign a sports betting bill that has passed its final legislative hurdle.
Reynolds, a Republican, has declined throughout the legislative session to say whether she supports the expansion of gambling in a state with 19 state-regulated casinos, horse and dog racing and a lottery.
Some Nebraska lawmakers are still looking for ways to cut the state's top corporate income tax rate so that it matches the rate paid by individuals.
Members of the Legislature's Revenue Committee discussed the idea today but haven't settled on how to pay for it.
One option is to start collecting income taxes from out-of-state corporations, such as McDonald's and Subway, that impose fees on their local restaurant franchisees.