The View From Here by Senator Dennis Guth
The 2022 session began on January 10th. During the first week we heard the Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Major General of the Iowa Guard give us updates. We also heard from the majority and minority leadership of the Senate. These speeches, especially that of the Governor, help set the tone and direction for the legislative season. There seems to be agreement that we should lower taxes, grow Iowa’s workforce, and make Iowa an attractive place to live.
The Governor’s proposal was to make Iowa’s personal income tax a flat tax of 4%; this would be less than half of the top rate today. That would mean that an average Iowa family will pay $1300 less than they do now. The Governor also wants to eliminate taxes on all retirement income. To be fair to farmers, she would make a retired farmer’s cash rent income tax free.
Some may say these goals will cost the state too much. That was said in 2019 as well when we passed the biggest tax cut in Iowa’s history. Senator Whitver reminded us in his opening remarks: “Recently, Iowa was rated as one of the best states for opportunity. We were named the state in the strongest position to withstand the Covid pandemic and we were also named the fastest state to recover from it. After 5 years of a Republican trifecta, Iowa’s success is no longer subjective – it’s objective.”
Many citizens have contacted me with requests to stop the vaccine mandates. There are many different ideas being circulated in both chambers and there is much debate over what we can and can’t pass. Along with stopping the mandates, I also want to make sure that schools cannot provide vaccinations without prior written consent and that all vaccine related injuries are reported. I have been contacted by many who have friends or relatives with adverse health events following a vaccine that were never reported. We will never know the safety of these vaccinations if we don’t keep accurate records.
Another issue that I am working on is to prohibit the Iowa Public Retirement System from investing in Chinese military and surveillance companies. Currently we have millions of dollars invested in companies that do not have our best interests in mind. We must not let this continue.
I always enjoy interacting with constituents throughout the session and I encourage you to consider a trip to the Capitol. With the Covid restrictions more relaxed we are able to again meet with visitors to hear your ideas face to face. You can always email me at dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov or call my cell at (641) 430-0424.
House Happenings
Terry Baxter
State Representative
Iowa House District 8
Monday, January 10th started my final year in office as a State Representative. The past 8 years have flown by at jet speed. Looking back, these four sessions have moved Iowa in very positive directions for the Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life, Second Amendment Freedom, Election Integrity, Economic Development, Child Care Access, Extending Broad Ban Access Across the State, Education Funding and overall State Budget Growth and Prosperity.
During this time, Iowa has become number one in the nation in many categories. It has been an honor being a small part of this legacy. I thank my constituents from District 8 who have encouraged and supported me over this time.
But I am not done yet. There is still work to be done. Last night I was electrified as I sat through Governor Reynolds State of the State address. While many states are running huge deficits, Iowa is thriving and has a surplus. She has guided our state well through the pandemic.
Republicans feel strongly that our surplus belongs to the tax payers of Iowa. We hope to give this back through meaningful cuts in Iowa income tax. It has been frustrating watching seniors retire in Iowa and be taxed so highly on retirement income that they are forced out of the state. This session we hope to remove income tax in Iowa for our retired seniors. We want Iowa to be a destination state for retirees.
But we also want to cut income tax for all Iowans. The Governor announced her goal of moving to a 4% flat tax in Iowa over the next four years. Republicans believe private citizens and not government can best invest their money for economic growth and prosperity. Whenever government deregulates and becomes smaller, it stimulates economic growth in the private sector. I am a firm believer in smaller and smarter government.
I also believe our work force shortage in Iowa can best be solved through meaningful incentives for Iowans to return to the workforce. This means cutting back on lengthy and unreasonable government entitlements for not working. I reject the notion of a living wage for people who refuse to join the workforce. It’s time for Iowans to go back to work.
I am also an advocate for decency in education. I support our Governor in calling for all school curriculum and library resources being publicly printed and available to parents. I believe in full transparency and disclosure.
If the initiatives of Governor Reynolds are passed, Iowa will continue to lead the nation in many categories and will soon become a destination state of choice for many across the nation. I enthusiastically support our Governor and her vision for the future of Iowa.
Finally, let me acknowledge the two quality Republican candidates that have so far stepped up and announced intentions to enter the primary race for my new district seat. I highly respect both Mark Thompson of Belmond and Jim Nelson of Britt. Both are outstanding candidates. I also recognize that others may be stepping forward in the near future.
Let me clearly state that I will be on the sidelines with no formal endorsement of any Republican candidate for the Primary. Both are excellent candidates. I wish them well. However, I will enthusiastically support whichever Republican candidate wins the primary and thereby becomes our Republican candidate for the General Election.
