Governor Kim Reynolds signed several bills related to agriculture and the environment into law Monday, including measures related to water quality, ethanol and the Iowa Farm Act.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas released a “study” last week about the state megaprojects proposal, including a new Bears stadium complex that was mostly uncritically received by local news media. But it’s not her best work, to say the least.

Every year when the Legislature arrives at mid-May, it’s always tempting to look around, see the absence of real bicameral movement on legislation, and conclude that nothing’s gonna happen in time for the scheduled May 31 adjournment. Succumbing to that temptation this year may not be a bad bet, but things can change. Right now, though, evidence of major movement is super-slim.

More than a year ago, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget was projecting a $3.2 billion deficit for what is now the current fiscal year. Part of the problem was that existing revenues were flat while spending was growing, according to the budget office.