(The Center Square) – In 1964, Lyndon Johnson was president and the Beatles were twisting and shouting their way to the top of the charts.
Iowa Gov. Harold E. Hughes issued an executive order barring discrimination, stating, “Racial, religious, and ethnic discriminatory practices betray the vision of the founding fathers and threaten the orderly procedures of democratic government.”
Fast-forward 60 years, and Gov. Kim Reynolds rescinded the order, saying it is outdated because it is superseded by state and federal law. It’s one of 62 dismissed, including 19 from Hughes, on Thursday with the 11th executive order she has issued since taking office in 2018.
“Executive order 11 reinforces my commitment to align aspects of state government that will improve service to Iowans,” Reynolds said. “Just as my administration has aligned executive branch departments, reduced burdensome rules and regulations, and eliminated unnecessary boards and commissions, amending or rescinding outdated executive orders will provide greater clarity about current priorities intended to move our state forward, while still honoring those of our past.”
Unless they are rescinded, executive orders are effective unless they expire on their terms or are superseded, according to Reynolds’ office.
Some of the orders dismissed involve state agencies that no longer exist. Others are tied to specific events, like security for former President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Two orders to deploy National Guard members to laboratories with biological agents and to help with airport security issued in Oct. 2001 were also rescinded because the National Guard completed its mission. The order was issued by Gov. Thomas J. Vilsack a month after the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
All of the state’s executive orders are listed on the Iowa Legislature’s website.
