ITR Report Card is unlike anything else in the country, it’s a vital tool that brings transparency and accountability to the forefront—so school boards can focus on what truly matters: student success.
Whether you’re a parent wanting the best for your child, a taxpayer who wants to know how your dollars are being spent, or a community leader shaping policy—this website is for you.
As Iowans continue to benefit from sound fiscal policies like accelerated tax cuts and conservative budgeting, we cannot lose sight of what’s happening in Washington. In a troubling—but completely predictable—display of regulatory overreach, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a rule that threatens to remove an important financial tool from low-income Americans while expanding the power of unelected bureaucrats.
As Congress works to renew the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) before it expires at the end of 2025, negotiations remain complicated by disagreements over spending cuts, budget scoring, and whether to package tax cuts with other policy priorities. Below is a summary of where things currently stand.
The Tax Foundation recently released their updated property tax rankings and Iowa continues to be ranked the 10th highest in the nation. This is not a ranking Iowa should be proud of, and this should motivate legislators to enact meaningful property tax reform that will not only provide tax relief but also improve our standing.
The March 2025 special election results once again highlight the persistent challenges of low voter turnout. While many measures passed, the limited participation raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.
Local governments are warning that limiting property tax growth will hurt communities. They say higher property taxes are necessary for economic growth. We say hardworking families and businesses grow the economy—not rapidly expanding government budgets. If families and businesses have to tighten their belts in tough times, why shouldn’t local governments? Before you buy into the doom-and-gloom about property tax limits, let’s take a closer look.
Subheading 30-Second Summary: Iowa’s reliance on federal funds significantly impacts the state’s fiscal flexibility, often imposing restrictions and obligations that limit its ability to implement independent tax and budget policies. To address this challenge, Iowa must adopt two key legislative changes: creating a federal funds inventory and requiring agency guidance disclosure regarding federal funding. A comprehensive inventory of federal funds received by the state […]
IRS Migration Data provides insight to where Iowa loses and gains residents. The IRS has released their annual migration data that outlines how people, and their incomes, moved from state to state. The newest data, measuring changes from 2021 to 2022, tracks closely with last year’s release. For Iowa, that means we again realized the most inward migration from Illinois, California, and Nebraska. On the […]
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. Voting in local elections, which in Iowa this year includes city council, school board, and new bond issues, is of critical importance for every citizen. While national elections often steal […]
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 our eye. In the article, a handful of city and county leaders in Iowa were lamenting new changes to Iowa law meant to rein in the growth of property taxes. One […]
Iowa’s legislature has signaled their desire for a level playing field and a fair, impartial judicial system. The concept of agency deference has shaped the legal landscape of the United States since the Supreme Court issued a decision known as “Chevron”. The Chevron deference, named after the energy company, was a legal principle where the courts would defer to an […]
When the federal government is forced into true spending cuts, dollars sent to the states could be first on the chopping block. There is an old adage that says a successful compromise is achieved when all parties involved walk away unhappy. That take might be too cynical, but it is also grounded in reality. And if that definition is accurate, […]
School choice can take many shapes and sizes. We will all soon find out exactly what Governor Reynolds and the legislature have in mind for Iowa. When Iowa House Republicans released committee assignments for the 2023 legislative session, one new committee stood out above the rest: the Education Reform Committee. Speaker Pat Grassley will chair the committee that he explained will […]
The education establishment has done an amazing job of creating the perfect “Emperor’s New Clothes” scenario when arguing against school choice. We’ll remind you of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale that raises questions about believing our own two eyes or buying into a pretense that is being sold to us. In the story, the emperor is fond of clothes […]
The most recent Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation Poll, conducted by Cygnal, shows Governor Kim Reynolds is very popular, and Iowans strongly support the idea of a 4% flat tax. Additionally, a plurality of Iowans supports United States military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Governor Reynolds has an incredibly high net favorability and was by far the most popular person tested. […]
When major legislation is passed -and make no mistake, Iowa’s tax reform package is as major as it gets- it’s natural for one to wonder, “What does this mean for me?” We will answer that question for at least a few of the aspects of House File 2317. While these explanations are not meant to be exhaustive, nor do they […]
Nothing from the local elections here in Iowa, nor races across the country, will have changed the perception that this political environment is toxic for those who want to push a tax and spend agenda. Tuesday’s elections in Iowa and across the country are now in the books. Iowa voters went to the polls to elect candidates to school […]
ITR Foundation Poll shows strong support for cutting taxes and school choice The inaugural ITR Foundation Poll conducted in partnership with Cygnal reveals 54 percent of Iowans think the state is headed in the right direction. However, they are pessimistic about their personal economic outlook and say their income and property taxes are too high. ITR Foundation (formerly TEF Iowa) […]
How can local governments in Iowa provide tax relief without cutting services? Dave Trabert, CEO of the Kansas Policy Institute, explains how local governments can spend less money if they prioritize spending. Trabert also explains how the recent property tax reform law in Kansas is already working to save taxpayer dollars.
In an effort to fill the gaps within the public school system, Royal Legacy Christian Academy opened its doors in 2008. The goal, to provide an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional public schools. Enrollment today continues to grow, as do the grade levels RLCA provides.
Creighton University Economics Professor, Dr. Ernie Goss joined TEF Iowa Deputy Director Walt Rogers to discuss how our state and national economy are recovering from the COVID-19 induced recession and what method is best to keep Iowa moving forward.
In an effort to fill the gaps within the public school system, Royal Legacy Christian Academy opened its doors in 2008. The goal, to provide an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional public schools. Enrollment today continues to grow, as do the grade levels RLCA provides.
By offering a customized and unique curriculum, Joshua Christian Academy in Des Moines offers its students hope and opportunity they would not otherwise have had in traditional public schools.
Download Printable PDF
All indications, except for the precarious feel of the China trade war, seem to show that Iowa’s economy is doing well. While we may be enjoying a temporary surge due to President Donald Trump’s economic policies, we must make decisions that grow and sustain our state for the long haul. Iowa competes with other states, both for jobs and people, […]
Stay updated about Iowa's taxes and spending by subscribing to the ITR Foundation newsletter: