Reynolds gives lesson on governance

Iowa’s dramatic executive agency overhaul led by Gov. Kim Reynolds has caught the eye of federal lawmakers. So much so that the governor testified at the House Oversight Committee Feb. 5 hearing on "Rightsizing Federal Government."

Online attention following the hearing was mostly focused on Rep. Alyssa Pressley (D-MA) criticizing Iowa for its lack of ethnic diversity. Thankfully, questions from other members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, were more on point.

Ranking committee member Rep. Gerry Connolley (D-VA), began his line of questions to the governor by comparing her job to his experience serving on Virginia’s Fairfax County Board, implying they had nothing to learn from the state of Iowa.

Instead of caving to the non-arguments, the governor decisively shut them both down with clear facts.

Reynolds pointed out that state employees often serve as the maintainers and ambassadors of federal policy, especially for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards and many health care regulations. These employees operate under the threat of job loss or the revocation of responsibilities, making their role in implementing federal policies critical. Efficiency, transparency, and clear mission operations are crucial at every level of government, just as corruption, bribery, and wastefulness can occur anywhere.

She expressed her frustrations with federal services, particularly the delays in granting permission for Iowa to automate SNAP (food stamps) paperwork. She described the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as "a nightmare," exemplifying the inefficiencies that states deal with when dealing with federal bureaucracy.

She advocated for the federal government to issue more block grants to states, allowing them to streamline services and eliminate permission structures that slow down service providers.

President Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team headed by Elon Musk would be wise to work with Congress in following Iowa’s playbook. In 2023, Reynolds signed a groundbreaking government reorganization bill into law. The 1,500-page bill aimed to merge state agencies and reduce the number of cabinet-level agencies from 37 to 16.

In her 2024 Condition of the State address, Reynolds proudly announced the state had cut 21 agencies from her cabinet, exceeded job reduction estimates by eliminating 620 open positions, and kept her promise not to lay off any state employees. Additionally, she signed a bill that eliminated or merged 83 state boards and commissions.

Reynolds recently signed an Executive Order establishing an Iowa Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force. Reynolds' actions and testimony serve as a powerful reminder that streamlining and rightsizing can be achieved at any level of government. The federal government would do well to look to states like Iowa for lessons in efficiency, transparency, and innovation. By embracing these principles, the federal government can better serve the American people and uphold the values of independence and innovation that define our nation.

Patricia Patnode is from Waterloo and graduated from Loras College.