More than 200 Iowans gathered in downtown Des Moines this week for ITR Foundation’s annual Tax Day Luncheon, now in its eighth year and firmly established as a signature event for taxpayers, policymakers, and advocates of fiscal responsibility across the state.
The full room reflected more than just strong attendance. It reflected a shared commitment to a simple idea: that taxpayers deserve a voice, and that voice matters.
Opening the program, ITR Foundation’s Chris Ingstad welcomed attendees and reflected on both the organization’s growth and its role in shaping Iowa’s policy landscape. “Iowans for Tax Relief has a talented team, an experienced team, and a team committed to our state and the issues we work on,” Ingstad said. “It’s also a team that wants to keep improving and keep tackling more.”
Ingstad emphasized that while many states have pursued similar reforms, Iowa’s success has been driven by leadership, pointing to Governor Kim Reynolds as a central figure in advancing pro-growth, taxpayer-focused policy.
Governor Reynolds highlighted the progress Iowa has made over the past several years, progress made possible through collaboration between policymakers and organizations committed to sound fiscal policy.
From cutting income tax rates down to a 3.8% flat tax, reducing regulatory burdens, and streamlining government, Reynolds outlined what she described as a “generational change” in Iowa’s economic and fiscal trajectory.
But her remarks also made clear that these achievements did not happen in isolation. “I couldn’t ask for a better ally in the fight for fiscal responsibility and good government,” Reynolds said, referencing the work of ITR and its supporters.
That partnership between elected leadership and engaged citizens has helped position Iowa as one of the most competitive and fiscally disciplined states in the country. Looking ahead, the governor focused on what she described as the next major priority: property tax reform.
With property taxes rising more than 10% over the past two years alone, Reynolds emphasized the need for structural solutions that address the root cause of increasing taxes, government spending. “Spending is what drives taxes—always has, always will,” she said, reinforcing a principle that has guided Iowa’s broader tax reforms.
She also highlighted a key development in this year’s legislative session: all three entities (the House, Senate, and governor’s office) introduced property tax proposals early, creating space for public input and debate.
At the center of that process, she noted, was Iowans for Tax Relief standing up for the taxpayer.
“The House, the Senate, and the governor’s office all proposed a property tax bill. I am proud of the fact that we all got them out early in the session to really give people the opportunity to weigh in and to make their voices heard. I know you were at the committee meetings, and I am telling you, literally you were the only one at the table representing the taxpayer. The only one. So God bless you. Thank you. Good for you.”
Following the governor’s remarks, Iowans for Tax Relief President Chris Hagenow led a fireside chat with the governor that reinforced the importance of fiscal conservatism as the foundation for broader policy success. When government spending is restrained, Hagenow noted, it creates the conditions for lower taxes, stronger economic growth, and greater opportunity for Iowans.
Governor Reynolds echoed that sentiment, pointing to Iowa’s approach of pairing tax relief with disciplined budgeting, ensuring reforms are not only impactful, but sustainable over time.
The event also brought together state legislators, local officials, small business advocates, and grassroots leaders, many of whom are directly engaged in shaping policy at both the state and local level.
Their presence underscored an important reality: meaningful reform does not happen from the top down alone. It requires participation, persistence, and a willingness to engage in the process.
As the event concluded, Ingstad highlighted ITR’s upcoming Local Government Symposium on July 16, and reminded attendees that ITR’s work extends far beyond a single day or a single issue. “We will not stop serving as the voice of the taxpayer,” Ingstad said. “No matter where that voice is needed.”
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