This article was published in National Review. Iowa policymakers have an opportunity to allow taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned income, make the state more competitive, and provide protection that will benefit taxpayers for generations. In 2022, Iowa confirmed its position as a leader in the state flat-tax revolution by phasing out the nine-bracket progressive income tax and replacing it with […]
The most recent Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation Poll, conducted by Cygnal, shows a majority of Iowans believe our country is headed in the wrong direction. More than two-thirds (68.2%) of those surveyed believe the United States is off on the wrong track, including an overwhelming majority of Republicans (92%) and Independents (72%). President Joe Biden was similarly unpopular, with […]
This article was published in the Des Moines Register. American history is under attack. A bill in Iowa would restore civics education. For decades a crisis has existed in schools across the nation. Survey after survey demonstrates that students are not receiving an adequate education in American History, American Government, or Western Civilization. The decline in civic education and the […]
We should not be abandoning a straight-forward system that everyone understands in exchange for a new, convoluted one filled with complications. The adoption of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in various jurisdictions across the country has been touted as an improvement to the traditional voting system. Some RCV supporters even believe it will protect the United States from the demise of […]
More than a dozen school districts and one county are seeking property tax hikes on top of assessments that are already elevated. The March 5, 2024, special election in 13 school districts and one county will put property tax increase questions before voters. The school districts are looking for increases in their physical plant and equipment levies (PPELs), which generate […]
This article was published in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. The House and Senate plan creates a mechanism to eventually eliminate the income tax. In 2022, the CATO Institute’s Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors ranked Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds the most fiscally conservative governor in the nation. Since 2018, Governor Reynolds and the legislature have placed a priority on […]
Voters should pay close attention to why a district wants a Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) and what it intends to do with the proceeds. Details A Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) is a ballot measure describing how a school district will spend sales tax funds the State of Iowa has dedicated to public schools through a program called Secure an Advanced Vision for Education […]
This article was published in the Telegraph Herald. Tax policy is best when it not only lowers rates but also provides long-term certainty for the economy. With nearly unanimous Republican support, Congress passed, and President Trump signed the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, which helped create economic expansion over the past six years. Taxpayers and businesses […]
Constitutional protections exist for other state funds, and it is time for taxpayers to receive that same benefit. As part of a historic income tax reform proposal the Iowa House and Senate are introducing two proposed amendments to the Constitution that would serve as protections for taxpayers. Both amendments would make it more difficult for a future legislature to increase […]
It’s the dollars those governments are pulling from you each year that matter. When it comes to property taxes, don’t get fooled by smoke and mirrors. A citizen should focus on how many dollars local governments are taking from them. That’s it. Don’t take the bait that some officials will dangle in front of you in the form of property […]
The Iowa legislature is poised to deliver the benefits of conservative budgeting and pro-growth policies to taxpayers in our state. Heading into the legislative session Governor Kim Reynolds and legislative leaders stated that not only would further income tax reform be a priority, but an opportunity existed to accelerate planned income tax rate reductions. Under current law the income tax rate […]
By offering businesses the freedom to explore and expand their innovative ideas in a relatively unrestricted environment, Iowa is setting the stage for becoming a beacon for start-up firms and a hub for economic progress. Iowa lawmakers are now considering a fresh approach to bolster entrepreneurship and innovation through the concept of a regulatory sandbox. This initiative is designed to […]