ITR 2023 Legislative Issue Guide
It is time for all levels of government in Iowa to limit spending, reduce debt, and make property ownership in Iowa more affordable. This issue guide sets forth a range of ideas that lawmakers should consider in restraining local governments, as well as several other state-level reforms.
Iowa’s Property Tax Problem
The Problem: Property taxes are growing faster than what is reasonable. Iowans are paying an average of 1.5 percent of the value of their home annually in property taxes, which is the 10th-highest property tax burden in the country. For the better part of the last decade, Governor Reynolds and Republican House and Senate leaders have worked to control state spending to decrease Iowans’ tax burden. Thanks to this leadership, Iowans have welcomed the largest income tax cuts in Iowa history, dropping Iowa to one of the…
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbyists
The Problem: Many cities, counties, and school districts hire lobbyists. However, these lobbyists are not subject to open records laws. If your property tax dollars are paying for lobbying activities, you deserve to know exactly how your money is being…
Public Assistance Program Integrity
The Problem: States must determine whether people are eligible for Medicaid. Iowa needs to ensure tax dollars are funding those who are truly in need in order to take some burden off hardworking taxpayers and encourage those wrongfully receiving benefits…
Federal Funds – Cut the Strings
The Problem: Almost half of Iowa’s expenditures are made with federal funds. This money often comes with strings attached. If the federal government cuts back, Iowa would be left holding the bag. Uncle Sam likes to play puppet master with…
Occupational Licensing Reform
The Problem: Occupational licensing laws should serve to protect the public—not create barriers for hardworking Iowans. Many times these laws make it more difficult and expensive for Iowans to earn a living and fill high-demand jobs. Excessive and burdensome occupational…
Needs to Go: Certificate of Need
The Problem: Certificate of Need laws decrease competition in the healthcare field, resulting in higher medical costs and reduced healthcare access. It is time to reform or eliminate Iowa’s outdated certificate of need (CON) law. When Iowa’s CON law was…
Universal Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
A universal ESA bill was signed by Governor Reynolds on January 24, 2023 What was the Problem? It is unfair to limit non-public school opportunities to more affluent families, while those who do not have the financial means must rely…
Regulatory Reform
The Problem: Too many regulations drive up the costs of doing business beyond what is reasonable to protect health and safety, and those costs hinder economic growth and increase prices for consumers. Legislators should consider methods of reducing state regulations…
Right to Try
The Problem: Patients needing medication that is experimental in nature simply do not have the time to wait for government processes, so it is important to get government out of the way and give them a chance at life. In…
Stronger Spending Limitations
The Problem: Property taxes increase because local government spending increases, and it is too easy for local elected officials to increase spending. Lawmakers should look at the many local property tax levies and the limits on those levies. Additionally, lawmakers…