Dave Jacoby, Iowa House District 74

The Gazette sent a questionnaire to Iowa Legislature candidates representing Linn, Johnson and surrounding counties. The responses are unedited, unless to correct spelling or punctuation. 

To see other candidates' responses, visit our Election 2020 Candidates page. 

Rep. Jacoby is running unopposed in this election.

What are the three biggest issues facing the state? How would you address them?

Correct the failed COVID response. Rebuild economy. Restore voting rights for all eligible citizens, including vote by mail. My dream issue-revamp Iowa's complicated tax system.

What, if anything, needs to change about the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic?

EVERYTHING needs to be changed. First honest reporting from IDPH without politics infused with science. Second, testing and tracing. Third, we need to quantify treatments proven. Fourth, local control must be returned. The Governor and House Republicans have failed miserably.

What do you consider as budget priorities? What would you do to ensure these see funding? Which areas would you target funding reductions?

Start with complete review of each and every tax credit. Then invest and innovate in our educational system with a base of 3% for allowable growth plus 1% for STEAM innovation at every level.

What, if any, changes would you make to the way the state funds its K-12 education system?

Allowable growth or supplemental aid, should be at least a 2-3 year funding cycle as opposed to an annual political pissing match. Performance measures and rewarding great teachers should be mandatory.

What should the state do to further address water quality issues? What, if anything, should the state do to increase funding for water quality improvements?

Must first recognize that we have a huge water quality problem. Yes, there are many at the Statehouse that do not believe that there is a problem at all. Then we have to develop solid measures to see if the millions of dollars thrown at a voluntary system have actually made any difference. In my opinion, it has not.

What should the state do to address the availability of safe and affordable child care across Iowa?

We need to eliminate the antiquated DHS system for eligible child care and create a matrix that reflects the real world of work and education and training. I have proposed Future Zones that recognize that child care is a cornerstone of the Iowa economy, allowing CDBG funds to be used for childcare start ups, income tax incentives for child care workers for 5 years, look at property and sales tax tiered systems for childcare, and no tuition for 2 year early childhood degrees. Childcare owners and workers should be eligible for the state health care pool.

What is your response to recent protests calling for racial justice? What changes to law enforcement policy or budgeting do you support? 

BLM is a movement that we must listen to and take action with. Law enforcement budgets are not the issue. How money and time is invested in training is.

Will you support a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for felons?

Yes

Will you approve the governor's IWILL tax relief/mental health plan?

No

Will you seek voter approval of a constitutional amendment on abortion (SJR2001/HJR2004)?

No

Will you support a ban hand-held electronic devices while driving (SF2248/HF2375)?

Yes

Will you support allowing financial compensation for college athletes (SF2330/HF2282)?

Undecided

Will you support making daylight saving time permanent (SF2077/HF2059)?

Yes 

Will you support allowing end-of-life options for patients with terminal conditions (SF2156/HF2302)?

Undecided

Will you support closing loopholes to protect mobile home occupants/tenants (HF2351/SF2238)?

Yes

Will you support increasing the state minimum hourly wage from $7.25?

Yes, to $10.10

Will you support raising the state tobacco tax by $1 to $2.36 per pack?

Undecided

Will you support modifying or repealing Iowa's bottle bill law?

Yes. Modifying but NOT repealing.

Will you support requiring helmets for minors operating motorcycles/motorized bikes?

Yes 

Will you support eliminating criminal penalties for possessing marijuana?

Yes 

Will you support establishing a moratorium on constructing large-scale animal feeding facilities?

Yes 

Will you support creating an 'extreme risk' or 'red flag' firearms protective order?

Yes