As rising costs for health care, housing and utilities strain household budgets, Iowa House Democrats are pitching a broad legislative agenda they say would lower everyday expenses and improve financial security for working families.
Many Iowa lawmakers have listed rising local property taxes as a priority of their work in the 2026 legislative session.
Renewed action on property tax relief, a tougher approach to repeat violent crime, state spending, affordability and bipartisan calls for cooperation and civility were among the pledges and requests made by leaders during the first day of the 2026 session on Monday.
As property tax relief is expected to be a top priority for lawmakers in both parties during the 2026 Iowa legislative session, state Democratic leaders are split on how to address the issue.
Throughout 2026, the state will highlight Iowa’s agriculture, gardening and horticulture, leading up to a massive Harvest Festival in October that will celebrate Iowa’s “integral role in feeding and fueling the world for 250 years.”
Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham said she will retire from the post at the end of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ term in early 2027.
Randy Feenstra wants to “lower and freeze” property taxes in Iowa, if elected governor next year, he said during a campaign event Friday.
The Democratic candidate for governor hosted a roundtable discussion with rural Iowa health care stakeholders
Iowa GOP Congerssman Randy Feenstra, newly in the 2026 Iowa governor’s race, toured a Cedar Rapids food pantry Tuesday as the federal shutdown halts food aid for thousands of Iowans. Feenstra praised local “neighbors helping neighbors,” defended his campaign rollout, and said he’ll debate his Republican rivals while urging Congress to reopen the government.
Rob Sand wrapped up his 100 Town Hall Tour in Decorah, capping a months-long journey through all 99 counties with calls for bipartisan reform, stronger oversight of public funds, and practical action on education and water quality. “Iowans are fed up,” he said.
Iowa Republican and former state lawmaker Jim Carlin criticized U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's voting record, calling her a “phony” politician during a campaign launch event Thursday in Cedar Rapids.
The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office removed 32 neglected dogs from two properties near Clarence on Friday, according to a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office.
What stinks? Not this emotional support skunk.
Video shows a Central City man driving through two backyards in Marion, striking fences and a play set. He’s now been identified and charged with failure to maintain control and striking fixtures upon a highway.
Majority Republicans said the revenue picture looks exactly like they expected with the enactment of recent state income tax cuts, while Democrats criticized the GOP for the cuts causing state revenue to dip below current spending levels.
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