The Solution to Iowa’s Property Tax Problem

This article was published in The Gazette. Spending drives taxation. A strict 2 percent property tax cap on the growth of property taxes would force local governments to restrain spending. Iowa has been successful at income tax reform because it has balanced prudent budgeting with pro-growth tax rate reductions. In addition to commonsensical conservative budgeting, Gov. Kim Reynolds also has […]

November 2024 Local Bond Election Results

A total of 48 bonds were on the ballot across the state, and 20 passed, resulting in $623.8 million in new spending. Iowa taxpayers made their voices heard on the potential new $1.1 billion in spending proposed by local governments on November 5, 2024. Ballots in 59 counties, directly affecting 82.4% of the state’s population, included new spending that would […]

Iowa’s Tax Reforms Propel State to New Heights in Competitiveness Ranking

Once ranked as one of the worst states (44th) for its tax climate, Iowa is becoming more competitive (20th) and will only improve as future reforms are implemented. The Tax Foundation has released its new State Tax Competitiveness Index, which replaces the previous State Business Tax Climate Index. This updated Index considers not only the business tax environment but also […]

Property Tax Relief Shouldn’t Play Favorites

Lowering property taxes is crucial for Iowa’s economic growth and competitiveness, but this will only happen if tax relief extends to ALL taxpayers. A common theme among legislators, regardless of party, is that high property taxes remain a recurring concern among their constituents. This issue is also prominent on the campaign trail. Recently, the Des Moines Register reported that a […]

Iowa Poised to Revolutionize Property Tax Reform Among States

This article was published in the Telegraph Herald and The Gazette. Paring back unnecessary local expenditures and then capping property tax growth at 2% would save taxpayers $250 million a year. Governing magazine crowned Gov. Kim Reynolds among 2024’s leading public officials, lauding conservative reforms that slashed Iowa’s punishing 9% income tax to a lean 3.8% flat rate by 2025. […]

Advancing Taxpayer Protections in the 2025 Legislative Session

Constitutional protections exist for other state funds, and it is time for Iowa taxpayers to receive that same benefit. Securing the tax reforms already enacted in Iowa by adding protections to the state constitution is essential to preserving the progress made since 2018. These reforms, particularly the shift to a flat tax, have transformed Iowa’s tax system into one that […]

Property Tax Increases on the Ballot in 12 Counties

Voters will be asked to approve funding for emergency medical services (EMS), more commonly referred to as “the ambulance tax.” Current law (federal, state, and local) allows variation in how government entities provide (or do not provide) emergency medical services (EMS), including ambulance services. Iowa’s statutes require local delivery of law enforcement and fire protection, which may deliver first-responder medical […]

New Debt Proposals Exceed $1 Billion for November Election

Taxpayers across 59 counties, representing 82% of the state’s population, will be asked to increase their debt burden. The November 5, 2024, general election ballots in 59 counties will have bond questions. This potential new spending of $1.13 billion would, if enacted, directly affect 82.4% of the state’s population. The bond questions cover a variety of local government types: Nine […]

Lessons from the Past: The Path to Real Property Tax Relief in Iowa

Policymakers need to learn from history that reforms relying on tax shifts, “buy downs,” assessment limitations, and the state swooping in seldom work. At one time, Iowa relied entirely on property taxes to fund state government. In 1921, the state levied its next major tax—a two-cent-per-package “sin” tax on cigarettes. Then, in 1934, as a response to the economic struggles […]

Hendrickson Report: The 30th Anniversary of the “Contract with America”: A Conservative’s Journey

Many of the “Contract with America” conservative policies and reforms remain the foundation of the Republican party today. On September 27, 1994, Republican members of the House of Representatives stood on the steps of the Capitol building and signed the Contract with America. Led by Representatives Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey, the Contract with America outlined a series of conservative […]

Majority of Special Elections Approve Property Taxes; Low Turnout the Norm

Voter turnout for city and county measures was 10.5%, while school measures drew only 8.5%. On September 10, 2024, twenty-one local governments held special elections with property tax measures on the ballot. Unofficial results show most of the measures passed, adding up to nearly $14 million in property tax costs. Ten of the 13 participating school districts succeeded with their […]

September 10th Special Election: More Property Tax Increases on Ballots

Twenty-one local governments are seeking property tax hikes on top of already-elevated assessments. On September 10, 2024, 13 school districts, two counties, and five cities will place property tax questions before voters in a special election. Eleven school districts are requesting a renewal or an increase in physical plant and equipment levies (PPELs), which generate local property tax dollars for […]

A 2 Percent Property Tax Cap – A Necessary Step for Iowa

Had the 24 cities and counties examined in this report followed a 2 percent cap over the last decade, Iowans in those communities alone would have $160 million more in their wallets to satisfy their desires, including investing in the future, saving for a rainy day, and attaining their American Dream. OVERVIEW The Problem: Unchecked Property Tax Growth Lessons from […]

City Property Tax Pain Index

Of the 275 cities evaluated, nearly 90% chose to increase the property tax pain on their residents. Any Iowans looking at their property tax bills can see that they keep going up year after year, but how much exactly? And how much property tax pain are you and your family about to experience from the spending decisions your locally elected […]

County Property Tax Pain Index

91 counties increased their property tax revenue on a per capita basis since last year. Any Iowan looking at their property tax bills can see that they keep going up year after year, but how much exactly? And how much property tax pain are you and your family about to experience from the spending decisions your locally elected officials are […]