New Property Tax Law Increases Voter Turnout: More Work to Be Done

The next step for reform is to eliminate the March and September special election dates and consolidate all matters, other than those to fill immediate and urgent vacancies, on November ballots. November 7th was significant this year because it was the first election since the enactment of a wide-ranging package…


The 2025 Conservative Iowa Budget: A Plan for Continued Progress

The core principle is that an effective limit should reflect the average taxpayer’s ability to pay for the budget. Introduction The rewards of Iowa’s leadership in fiscal conservatism become more evident every year. Using a sustainable budgeting approach, the state has put its burdensome personal income taxes on a steady path…

Property Taxes

How are your property taxes being spent?

Find out at ITR Local.


ITR Live Podcast

A Streetcar Named Boondoggle ITR Live: Conservative Iowa Politics

Tax policy remains a central focus for many Iowa legislators, and recent discussions among lawmakers continue to push for fiscal conservatism. This shift is visible in the legislative sphere, with a trend towards pro-taxpayer sentiments and policy proposals that aim to rein in local government spending. These changes reflect broader desires among constituents for responsible financial governance and transparency, reinforcing a commitment to reduce the tax burden on Iowans. The call to restrain local government spending often comes with diverse opinions on how funds should be allocated. For instance, proposals to invest in streetcar networks or manage ski resorts raise questions about the role of municipal authorities in the business and development sectors. In particular, the Waterloo School District has announced a $160 million proposal to reorganize local high schools and construct a consolidated new building near their career academy. Recent legislation has been crucial in improving voter turnout in Iowan local elections. By mandating direct notification of bond elections, the state has empowered citizens to participate more actively in local governance. This law has led to increased engagement, reflective of successful collaboration between governmental bodies and the electorate. Data from recent school district elections underscore the legislation's positive impact, with voter turnout percentages rising significantly across multiple districts. Access to electoral information remains paramount to fostering an informed voter base. The challenges in disseminating details regarding bond measures and taxation policies call for more effective communication avenues. Establishing uniformity in how local elections are announced and conducted could alleviate concerns about voter knowledge gaps. Ongoing efforts aim to maintain transparency and enable voters to make decisions rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the issues at stake.


About ITR Foundation

Let’s be honest, big government is big bureaucracy, and common sense tells us big bureaucracy is ineffective. That’s why ITR Foundation works to:

  • Research principled solutions
  • Educate Iowans about our solutions
  • Activate Iowans in support of our solutions

By applying the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and the rule of law to public policy, we can ensure all Iowans will have the opportunity to succeed.

Making a Difference

ITR Foundation set the policy groundwork for many recent taxpayer victories in Iowa:

  • A 3.9% flat individual income tax rate by 2026
  • Elimination of income taxes on retirement income
  • Elimination of inheritance tax
  • Creating a path to reduce corporate income tax to 5.5%
  • Phasing-out special tax incentives in the corporate tax code

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Recent Posts

You or the Government, Who Spends it Best?

Iowa is fortunate to have so many legislators in office who understand that cutting tax rates has a major impact. We hit the road again today for another legislative roundtable…

November 2023 Local Bond Election Results

Iowa counties, cities, and schools put forward bond questions for the election yesterday across 50 counties, covering 75% of the state’s population and totaling a potential $1.72 billion in new…

Local Elections Shape Our Communities

By electing responsible city council members and school board officials, and by carefully considering bond issues, we can have a significant impact on the quality and cost of our lives….

No More Blank Checks

Despite claims of inflation fears, the data shows city and county budgets have been outpacing inflation for years. An Axios Des Moines article about recent property tax reforms really caught…

Pro-Growth Tax Reform Improves Iowa’s Tax Competitiveness

The Tax Foundation’s ranking, in combination with continuing surpluses, proves that fiscal conservatism is working in Iowa. Tax rates matter. They are a major factor determining the economic well-being of…

Citizen Engagement Leads to Lower Property Tax Bills

When it comes to property taxes, silence only encourages local governments to keep growing their spending. When traveling around Iowa, our team visits individuals and business owners in their local…


Editorials

All ITR Foundation Editorials

Taxes & Spending

November 2023 Local Bond Election Results

Iowa counties, cities, and schools put forward bond questions for the election yesterday across 50 counties, covering 75% of the state’s population and totaling…

Local Elections Shape Our Communities

By electing responsible city council members and school board officials, and by carefully considering bond issues, we can have a significant impact on the…


Helping Iowa Grow

A Safe Space for Innovation

A streamlined path to market leads to greater innovation, more economic growth, and lower prices for consumers. The concept of a regulatory sandbox has…