Des Moines, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday that her use of an Iowa State Patrol airplane purchased with federal COVID-19 relief funds was strictly for official purposes and appropriate under state law.
The Des Moines Register reported that State Patrol pilots flew a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to Sioux City and Waterloo before Reynolds attended public events. The aircraft was purchased in December 2024 using funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. Reynolds said she accounted for less than 3% of total flight hours in 2025 and emphasized the plane is primarily used by law enforcement.
“It’s the right thing to do. I don’t ever use it for personal use,” Reynolds said, adding that no political donors or supporters have flown with her on the aircraft.
Democrats criticized the governor, alleging political use of pandemic relief funds. House Minority Leader Brian Meyer called the flights “outrageous” and said lawmakers should consider selling the plane. An amendment requiring the sale of ARPA-funded executive aircraft failed in the House.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety purchased the $4.6 million aircraft citing fleet modernization needs.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
