Jerry Kearns

OT Likely for Iowa Legislature

Jason Parrott — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:27:18 +0000

It’s looking less likely that the Iowa Legislature will adjourn its current session on time.

Jason Parrott — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:00:10 +0000

A potential legislative candidate in southeast Iowa must find another way to get on the November ballot.

Republican Jim Steffen of Argyle announced in late May his intention to run a write-in campaign in Iowa’s 83^rd House District.

Lee County Election Coordinator Denise Fraise says Steffen received 107 votes.

She says that would normally be enough votes to move him on to the general election, but the redistricting process has changed that.

Jason Parrott — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:43:32 +0000

A proposal in Des Moines could result in more money for Keokuk Area Hospital.

Rep. Jerry Kearns (D-Keokuk) has filed legislation asking the Iowa Department of Human Services to recalculate one of its hospital funding formulas.

He says the state makes money available to hospitals that do not receive adequate reimbursement for care of low income patients.

Kearns says that state funding can be used to leverage even more federal money.

Jason Parrott — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:11:26 +0000

Two Southeast Iowa lawmakers believe the state’s fuel tax will eventually increase.

State Senator Gene Fraise (D-Lee County) and State Representative Jerry Kearns (D-Keokuk) do not foresee an increase during an election year.

The two recently spoke to members of the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce during a legislative luncheon.

Fraise says a proposal gaining support in Des Moines would increase the fuel tax by four cents/year for two years.

It would take effect next year.