(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a pilot project focusing on inclusive civic engagement Friday. The state of Iowa will partner with the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity’s Grand Boule to increase participation at the state level through gubernatorial boards and commissions.

Gov. Reynolds says the pilot project offers another way to seek qualified and diverse applicants who are strong believers in becoming an active voice in state government.

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, Sept. 11, in honor of Patriot Day.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

(DES MOINES) – Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise has been named the National Association of State Boards of Education’s (NASBE) 2017 Policy Leader of the Year. The award is given annually to a national or state policymaker in recognition of their contributions to education. Last year’s recipient was Delaware governor Jack Markell.

(DES MOINES) – In cooperation with Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 11 soldiers and two CH-47F Chinook helicopters from the Iowa Army National Guard will deploy Friday to the Houston, Texas, area to support response operations for Hurricane Harvey.