On Jan. 13, the 91st General Assembly gaveled in for the official start of the 2025 legislative session. Throughout the first week, the leaders from both the House and Senate, as well as Gov. Kim Reynolds in her Condition of the State speech, spoke about the direction of the state of Iowa and their confidence in our ability to build on the great work we have done so far. Additionally, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, Major General Stephen Osborn as well as Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court Susan Christensen, gave their remarks on the state of the Judiciary and the Guard.
In their speeches, Reynolds, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver and Senate President Amy Sinclair laid out a clear path for the success of Iowa’s future. Continuing to build on common-sense solutions that have played a critical role in the growth of this state serves as the foundation of the agenda for 2025. There are many issues facing the state legislature this year and we are looking forward to working on behalf of Iowans to move our state forward.
One of the most widely discussed topics we heard from Iowans this year and during the 2024 campaign season was property tax reform. Many Iowans are feeling the weight of increased property taxes over the last few years, making it difficult to afford and maintain the property they own. Continuing to build on reforms for everyday Iowans proves one of the most important issues facing our state legislature.
On Tuesday, Reynolds addressed a joint session of the Iowa Legislature in her eighth Condition of the State speech. Her speech highlighted the progress of the state’s direction, as well as the action that needs to be taken to build on its success.
The governor began by noting the top national rankings for the state of Iowa in several different categories. Iowa is the number one state in the nation for retirement, millennial home ownership, and is ranked number one for the third consecutive year for fiscal responsibility. Iowa ranks high in many other important metrics like being second in cost of living, third for opportunity, and fourth for health care and educational choice nationwide. To cap it all off, Iowa is now enjoying the benefits of a 3.8% flat income tax, opposed to the 8.98% tax we faced just six years ago.
While there are many great accomplishments the state of Iowa has made in recent years, many issues still facing the state are at the forefront of the governor’s focus for 2025. One of these critical issues is improvements to health care and cancer research. In her commitment to finding answers on Iowa’s high cancer rate, Gov. Reynolds asked the Legislature for $1 million to fund a partnership between the University of Iowa and Iowa Health and Human Services to further promote research. In addressing the workforce, the governor proposed increased funding and loan re-payment programs to provide incentives for both in- and out-of-state health care workers to practice in rural Iowa. Additionally, she is proposing to utilize federal resources to expand residency slots at our 14 teaching hospitals with the goal of adding 460 new physicians over four years.
The governor also outlined her proposals to assist communities to expand preschool and childcare for hard-working Iowans. Over the past two years, the legislature and governor enacted policies to increase childcare workers’ pay, new childcare slots, and funding opportunities for new facilities. This year the legislature will review her proposal to encourage partnership between preschools and community childcare centers to help fill the need in local communities.
This past spring, several communities in northwest Iowa were devastated by record flooding. Many lost everything they had as a result. Communities are beginning the process of rebuilding and recovery. I had a front row seat to witness the response of our men and women serving in the National Guard in assisting during the flood. On Thursday I took the opportunity to personally thank Major General Stephen Osborn, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, for their assistance and their commitment to our communities, our state, and our nation. A simple thank you didn’t feel like enough as those men and women saved lives and brought hope to our communities in their time of need.
In the Governor’s Condition of the State address, she presented a commitment to a disaster assistance package for communities impacted by natural disasters in northwest and southwest Iowa. I know there will be additional legislation put forward to assist communities affected as well.
Iowa continues to make significant strides into becoming one of the most prosperous states in the country. From the growth we have made in just the last few years, the future looks bright for all of us who are lucky enough to call ourselves Iowans.
Taxpayers across the state likely noticed a bump in their paychecks this month as the 3.8% flat tax passed last year went into effect on Jan. 1. We have been dedicated to simplifying Iowa’s tax code, ensuring Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money and preserving their choice about where to invest those dollars.
I am excited to be back at the Capitol working on behalf of Iowans on several key issues. Spending the summer and fall talking with constituents, getting feedback, and hearing about the issues provides a critical foundation on what this legislature is focusing on in 2025. As we start scheduling subcommittees and begin discussing legislation, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask questions or provide feedback on these important issues.
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