Another year serving northwest Iowa at the capitol began this past Monday, Jan 13, as the 91st General Assembly gaveled in. We welcomed a number of new senators and representatives to Des Moines resulting in a Republican super majority in both chambers – thanks to a strong vote of confidence in November for our conservative leadership, across the state (and nation!).
Highlighting that leadership, we heard from Governor Kim Reynolds as she remembered our achievements over the past year and established her goals for the coming year in her Condition of the State, Chief Justice Susan Christensen as she presented the Condition of the Judiciary, along with Adjutant General Stephen Osborne (who I was quite honored to escort into the Joint Assembly today) as he delivered the State of the Guard speech. The condition of each is strong with a positive trajectory, thanks to common sense and disciplined leadership, but we face continued challenges in the tumultuous world we find ourselves today.
The inflation we continue to face has certainly challenged our economy and increased the fiscal pressure on everyone’s pocketbook, and that includes city, county government as well. The governor highlighted the absolutely critical income tax reductions that have been accomplished under Republican leadership, which dropped from ~9% to a flat 3.8% rate in 2024 – which is most noticeable in our part of the state – we now compare very favorably with our adjacent states with real relief to every tax paying citizen. This was only possible with visionary and forward thinking initiatives like a comprehensive government reorganization – that has already realized well over $200 million in savings.
Speaking of challenges to local government, property tax is a ongoing topic of discussion, which continues to significantly increase with rapidly rising property valuations and the cost of really everything - which is due to unabated inflation from factors not directly under state control. I don’t see any easy solutions to this rising expense and must be balanced with preserving local control and fiscal discipline - but I believe the root cause is federal.
With the source of this relentless inflation being federal, with an exponentially growing $36 trillion deficit, enabled with a fiat US dollar “managed” by a “private” Federal Reserve - I believe we need to think outside the box and find ways to restore fiscal sanity at the state level. The Gold Standard ensured our nation was healthy and solvent until it was abandoned (fully in 1971) and it is quite apparent to me our national government is not able to right the financial ship. I will continue to advocate for a state transactional gold currency which a growing number of states are considering.
Some of the governor’s priorities include: investing resources to address the high and rising rates of cancer in the state, incentivizing the number of health care professionals in the state with additional training slots and loan-repayment programs focused on rural areas, and voluntary expanded preschool and an investment in childcare though private/public partnerships and additional funding.
Additional policy discussions included a disaster assistance package for communities impacted by the natural disasters in NW and SW Iowa including the catastrophic flooding we experienced, addressing unemployment insurance, providing more ways to find waste in state and local government, and addressing energy challenges while diversifying our energy sources, to include consideration of nuclear power solutions.
I am honored to serve Senate district #7 in Des Moines and look forward to representing the common sense, productivity and values of my constituents. Iowa continues to stand out in our nation and world as a place to live, work, worship and thrive.
For the 90th General Assembly, I will serve on the Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Technology, and Veterans Affairs committees. Additionally, I will serve on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.
Mailing Address:
Kevin Alons
1007 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
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