On Thursday morning of Holy Week many of us participated in the Prayer Breakfast, a non-partisan Christian celebration of the Easter message. Pastor Alistair Begg gave a stirring message challenging us to find deeper meaning in service to others. It is humbling to reflect on the great responsibility of serving my constituents. I always close every report to constituents thanking them for the opportunity to serve, but this article begins with thanking you.

I ran to be your representative with the slogan “for Rural and Small Town Iowa,” and I am reminded of my promise to you several times each day in the Capitol. I’ve watched as the powerful bureaucracy in Des Moines, big money, and politicians (both Democrat and Republican) jostle for power and control. Many attempt to grab power for themselves by taking power away from our small towns and rural areas.

My belief is that control should remain as local and close to the people as possible. That’s the reason I meet regularly with city councils, school boards, and constituents, always seeking their input, telling them exactly how I see things, and carrying their messages back to the legislative battles.

As an example, much of the current property tax fiasco has been caused by 50 years of Governors and Legislatures meddling in issues that should have always remained local. Responding to the loudest “squeaky wheel” often resulted in campaign contributions and other favors. It also resulted in a total mess of a property tax system…and it may happen again, making it even worse.

There are three proposals being pushed right now in the Capitol: the so-called House Bill, Senate Bill, and Governor’s Bill. All three bills limit your city council to 2% budget growth, punishing any city that has been spending responsibly. Each bill is written to respond to a “squeaky wheel” by limiting the property taxes on a favored constituency (senior citizens, data centers, renters, etc.). When one group pays less in taxes, that means the tax burden is transferred to someone else: for example, young families that the state is already losing at an alarming rate. One bill even includes a gas tax increase!

Especially onerous is the “Governor’s Bill” that shrewdly removes the power from citizens to elect local officials, making them appointed positions.

I have pushed my recommendations on tax reform tirelessly (see my previous articles in the Sun) and will continue to do so. Unless significant changes are made in the proposed bills being pushed by powerful interests in the Capitol, I will diligently oppose them and will vote against them. Each of them would be damaging to our small towns and rural areas.

Right now, we are into the last leg of the legislative session. The session is scheduled to end April 21; however, the state Constitution requires that we approve a budget before dismissing the session and the property tax bill will have a significant impact on that process. My guess is that this session will be extended as we wrangle over the budget details.

The following bills have passed the House and now await action by the Senate.

HF2743: Rural Health Transformation Plan – Iowa received this historic federal investment through the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” To ensure every dollar is spent effectively, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit quarterly reports to the legislature, detailing exactly which cities and facilities are receiving funds. We are the first state in the nation to deploy these funds, receiving $209 million for the first year of a five-year grant program. Funding will be used to enhance the technology available to rural hospitals. It will help with recruitment for targeted physician roles and investments in high-tech telehealth tools for ambulances.

SF378: Raising the Speed Limit to 60 MPH on state highways from 55 MPH to 60 MPH. This would apply to roads that don’t have specific speed limits set, such as interstates, which remain at 70 MPH, and residential zones that require a lower speed for safety.

HF2700: English Proficiency for CDL – A basic understanding of the English language is essential to navigate our roadways safely. By requiring a computer-based proficiency exam before a CDL is issued or renewed, we ensure every driver entering Iowa’s workforce is qualified. Commercial motor carriers are prohibited from employing drivers who do not meet the standard.

HF 2748: The Iowa Farm Bill – this bill addresses several simple code fixes that will help farmers across Iowa.

HF2753: Investing in Prison Infrastructure and Reducing Recidivism – As we work to crack down on career criminals, we must ensure our prison system can handle any increase in capacity. Back in 2009, Iowa took out bonds to build the new state prison in Fort Madison. We are on track to pay those bonds off by 2027. To continue to invest in prison infrastructure, HF 2723 creates a new prison infrastructure account.

HF524: Minors’ Use of Tanning Devices (one small step to slow cancer rates) – Last session, the House passed HF524, which prohibits minors from using tanning beds. This bill included the requirement that the tanning facility must provide the parent or guardian with a warning that the UV risks of tanning devices increase the risk of melanoma, but Senate struck this out. We rejected the Senate amendment. We are continuing to address the drivers of cancer rates.

SF2187: I “ran” this Senate bill in the House. It requires the DOT to verify that new or renewed Iowa Driver’s License applicants prove their legal status in the US, either as a citizen or legal resident. Unfortunately, my amendment to give a grace period if there was an error in the federal system did not pass. The bill now goes to the Governor.

Phishing Scam

The Iowa Department of Transportation is again warning consumers of recent text phishing scams that are occurring across the country this spring. (Several legislators, including me, have received these phishing text and emails.) Citizens are receiving fraudulent text messages that appear to be from the Iowa DOT that say they have an unpaid toll or registration fee. The text asks recipients to click on a link to provide personal information as well as credit card numbers. Many times, the link will lead to a website that looks like the Iowa DOT’s website.

These texts are NOT from the Iowa DOT and citizens should not click on links within the text messages or provide personal details.

Instead, delete these text messages and report them to the Attorney General’s office.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens in small town and rural Linn County. I seek your input, will tell you how I see things, and I will not be bought. Write to me at [email protected]