Sayers wants to see tax cuts for everyone. That approach aligns with advocacy group, Iowans for Tax Relief. "When you reduce Iowans tax burden, whether it be business or individual, there's more money in their pockets that they can deploy into the economy," said Chris Hagenow, president of Iowans for Tax Relief.
Gov. Reynolds and the Legislature have an opportunity to make the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence especially meaningful by restoring balance between taxpayers and their local governments. By limiting spending, Iowa can protect the property rights that are the very foundation of American liberty.
“As the Founders saw it, the right to property was not simply an economic concept and was much more than owning a bit of land. It was a first principle of liberty,” Spalding argued. Property is not limited to land or a home; it also includes financial assets.
Just a few years ago, the Tax Foundation ranked Iowa among the worst states for business tax climates. In 2020, Iowa placed 43rd in the State Tax Competitiveness Index. Thanks to the pro-growth policies of Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Legislature, Iowa has since climbed to 17th — a remarkable improvement. Yet despite this progress, Iowa still ranks 33rd nationally in property tax burden.
To provide sustainable tax relief, Iowa must ensure that local government budgets grow no faster than taxpayers’ ability to pay. Limiting spending, coupled with responsible budgeting, is the cornerstone of true reform. Additional steps should also be considered. Local governments can improve efficiency by consolidating services, adopting zero-based budgeting, and regularly reviewing services to el...
"Property taxes are an issue. And I think voters are being more picky," said Sarah Curry with Iowans for Tax Relief, a group that advocates for lower taxes. Curry says that while some metro voters were willing to accept higher taxes to fund new schools, many Iowans elsewhere were not. "When we look statewide, there were actually 25 bonds that passed and 33 failed. Knoxville, Panorama, I-35 — all...
It's important for voters to consider the ask, says ITR President Chris Hagenow. "It's separating the wants versus the needs. If something needs to happen, then voters should be aware of that, and that, that obviously, may qualify for voting for a bond," Hagenow says. "These bond decisions are in large part driving the increase year over year in property tax burden. And we think that many times, ...
His colleague and longtime friend Chris Hagenow said Whitver leaves a clear mark on the legislature. “Jack is one of the most significant political leaders in the history of the state of Iowa,” Hagenow said. “Jack is a man who knows what he believes and wants to get wins.” Hagenow praised Whitver both personally and professionally and said Whitver "has a lot more to offer the state of Iowa in th...
Pro-growth tax reforms combined with conservative budgeting are strengthening Iowa’s economy and creating a strong fiscal foundation. Iowa is quickly becoming one of the most taxpayer-friendly states in the country. On the heels of delivering a historic income tax cut just two years ago, Republicans used the 2024 Iowa legislative session to give more than $1 billion in additional tax cuts while a...