Protecting the Interests of the Taxpayer: Why the Taxpayer Relief Fund Needs Constitutional Protection

This article was published in the Washington Examiner. Too often the voice of the taxpayer is drowned out by louder special interest lobbyists. Protecting the Taxpayer Relief Fund in the Constitution would ensure that the interests of taxpayers — and their money — are secure. As a taxpayer, did you know that the state of Iowa is currently holding close […]

Federalism Can Help Tame the National Debt

This article was published in National Review. On the current path, it seems inevitable that the federal government won’t live up to its obligations to the states. State policy-makers need to find ways to push back against Washington, D.C. The late constitutional scholar James McClellan described federalism as a principle that the American Founders had woven “into the constitutional fabric” of […]

Tax Cuts Are Not the Problem

Instead of crying wolf every time a minimal amount is cut from their revenue growth, local governments should rein in their spending. The dust hasn’t even settled on a new property tax law that provides tax breaks to seniors and veterans and local governments are already crying wolf. An article published by Axios Des Moines claims the new property tax […]

Blue State Budget Woes: States Cannot Tax and Spend Their Way to Prosperity

This article was published in The Cedar Rapids Gazette. Media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal are beginning to recognize that the Red-state model of limited spending and pro-growth tax reform is working. A recent editorial by The Wall Street Journal highlights several progressive Democrat “Blue” states confronting budget problems as a result of overspending and tax increases. States […]

Iowa Can Still Show D.C. What Fiscal Sanity Looks Like

Lawmakers at every level have control over how much the government spends. If our nation’s lawmakers need an example to emulate for good habits, though, Iowa can show them the playbook. During the most recent debt ceiling drama in our nation’s capital, modest spending reductions were exchanged for an increase in the federal government’s borrowing limit. While that compromise is […]

Iowa vs. Minnesota: Neighboring States Show Different Futures for America

Both Iowa and Minnesota offer contrasting visions for their respective states and for America’s future. If you want to know what the left would do to America, pay close attention to what it is doing to Minnesota. This article was originally published in Real Clear Policy. There is no Berlin Wall or 38th Parallel separating Lyle, Minnesota, from Mona, Iowa, […]

The Debt Ceiling’s Impact on Iowa

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, […]

Iowa is at the Forefront of Conservative Budgeting

This article was published in Real Clear Policy, the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and the Telegraph Herald. Both Governor Reynolds and legislative leaders have made Iowa a fiscal example for other states and the federal government to follow. President Calvin Coolidge regarded “a good budget as among the most noblest monuments of virtue.” President Coolidge’s fiscal conservatism is being exemplified at […]

Conservative Budgeting Continues for FY2024

Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature continue to toe the line for taxpayers through 2024 with prudent budgeting. Despite national economic uncertainty resulting from high inflation, Iowa’s fiscal foundation was strong heading into the 2023 legislative session. One important reason for this success is the continued priority Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature are placing on prudent budgeting. In […]

Iowans Feeling the Squeeze

The recent ITR Foundation poll shows Iowans are concerned about their own financial stability and the role inflation and government tax-and-spend policies have on their budget. Iowans are increasingly concerned about the economy, with high inflation and national economic uncertainty contributing to their anxiety. A recent poll conducted by ITR Foundation found that 74.4 percent of Iowans believe the nation is heading […]

March Revenues Continue to Exceed Forecast

With three-quarters of the fiscal year behind us, the state is continuing to outperform last year. Iowa’s revenue report for March has been released and the data revealed net General Fund revenue for the month was $39 million (7.3%) above the March 2022 net revenue level. When broken down by the three largest sources (personal income tax, sales/use tax, and corporate income […]

Additional Taxpayer Protections on the Table

Further protection for the taxpayer can be good policy, but lawmakers must ensure there are no unintended consequences along the way. The Iowa Legislature is considering a joint resolution that would establish protections for Iowa taxpayers in the state constitution. Senate Study Bill 1207 and House Study Bill 232 propose two amendments. The first would require two-thirds of both chambers […]

The Stage Is Set for Next Year’s Budget

Iowa’s future has never looked brighter. When crafting the budget, policymakers must remain focused on limiting spending so our state can continue on the path to prosperity. The March Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) recently confirmed that revenue projections continue to be strong, demonstrating the resilience of Iowa’s economy. The REC is responsible for estimating state revenue, which is challenging when […]

State Revenue Projections Are Growing

Iowa is demonstrating financial resiliency on numerous measures, despite the uncertainty plaguing the broader American economy. The State Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met on March 10, 2023 to evaluate the current (FY23) and the next two fiscal years (FY24 and FY25). Members on the REC mentioned that Iowa’s withholdings are starting to show impacts from the tax cuts, but Iowa continues to […]

Iowa Is Proof that Fiscal Conservatism Works

By cutting taxes and state spending, Governor Kim Reynolds has put the state on the path to a robust economy.

Iowa’s fiscal foundation remains strong despite national economic uncertainty because of the state’s fiscal conservatism and prudent budgeting.

Governor Kim Reynolds has made Iowa a leader in conservative fiscal policy. This approach has already left more money in taxpayers’ pockets, and set the state on course to implement a low, flat income tax by 2026.

February Revenues Show Beginning Impact of New Tax System

With two-thirds of the fiscal year behind us, the state is continuing to outperform last year. Iowa’s revenue report for February has been released and the data revealed net General Fund revenue for the month was $35.9 million (5.7%) above the February 2022 net revenue level. When broken down by the three largest sources (personal income tax, sales/use tax, and corporate income […]