A less divisive Reynolds speaks to Iowans

Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State speech did not ignite partisan fireworks, unlike her addresses in the recent years. For that, we’re glad.

Instead, Reynolds outlined a series of initiatives that seek to address several problems faced by the state — including a lack of doctors, demand for child care slots and the distractions caused by cellphones on the highway.

Some of Reynolds ideas may even find bipartisan support.

On health care, the governor announced $3 million in grants to help fill health sector jobs, doubling to $10 million loan repayments for medical professionals who commit to practice in rural areas and a $150 million effort, using federal funds, to create new residency slots at teaching hospitals, with hopes of a shortage of doctors in rural areas.

The governor also announced a new partnership between the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Iowa to create a team of epidemiologists to research why Iowa’s cancer rate is high and growing, with $1 million in state funding.

On child care, Reynolds called for a statewide Community Solutions Fund that will accept donations from individuals and businesses to raise child care wages or defer transportation costs for families. She also proposes a “Continuum of Care” providing grants for partnerships between schools and private providers that could also address low pay, transportation challenges and other issues.

Reynolds also proposes a task force to explore the potential for nuclear energy in Iowa. Federal tax-exempt bonds would be used to help pay for community energy and water infrastructure projects, with hopes of providing for the needs of manufacturing.

Iowa is long past-due for requiring Iowans to use hands-free cellphone technology while driving, as Reynolds recommends. Hands-free technology has been standard in vehicles for the last 20 years. Reynolds also wants to ban the use of cellphones in school during class time. We’re generally supportive but would like to see more details.

So, the governor largely played it safe in launching her 2025 agenda. And some of the proposed ideas will depend on federal funding or donors.

Republicans who control the Statehouse have approved a series of large income tax cuts Reynolds said will save Iowans $24 billion over 10 years. Those cuts have made it more difficult to invest in numerous important areas, such as public schools, universities and expanded mental health care. But they’ve been endorsed by voters who built even larger House and Senate GOP majorities.

Although we welcome many of Reynolds’ ideas, a smattering of small-ticket investments is less than what’s needed to make meaningful progress. Some progress is better than none.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com