DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa lawmakers journeyed to the statehouse at the beginning of a new year to start the state’s 91st General Assembly. It is the first time that both Iowa Republicans and Democrats have been back since the state GOP took even greater control of both chambers, now boasting super majorities in both.
Iowa Republican leadership have discussed property taxes, cost of living and sales tax changes as as their areas of focus in the session ahead.
“This session we will be looking for additional ways to lower costs for Iowans. We will be exploring options to eliminate sales tax on everyday items for families and lower the costs of childcare, energy and expand affordable housing,” said Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley (R) District 57, from New Hartford. Grassley also teased a new proposal from the state to use federal funds for a substitute food program to Summer electronic benefits.
Some of these policy conversations may or may not be bipartisan, House Republicans won’t need a single House Democrat vote to pass simple bills out of the chamber, and the same goes with Senate Republicans.
While Iowa Democratic leadership has discussed opportunities for bipartisan work, the party’s leader pointed to a cost of living issue, like Speaker Grassley did in his speech.
“We have a choice, how are we going to spend these 110 days? Can we work together to make life better for all Iowans? Or will the session be spent playing politics? Too many families are feeling the pinch of rising health care, childcare costs, stagnant wages and a growing fear of more layoffs around the state. The Reynolds economy has made Iowa second to last in growth, so we need to think more broadly,” said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfsrt (D) District 32, from Windsor Heights.
Over in the Iowa Senate, a new leader of the minority party was sworn in on Monday.
“As we look back on the work this chamber has done in the past eight years, can we really say it’s been done with all Iowans in mind? Considering each and every one as our neighbor,” said Iowa Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D) District 45, from Ames.
Where the Senate Republican caucus feels confident coming off of November’s elections to bring more policy changes in the state.
“Last November, Iowans made a choice. They chose common sense. Since taking the majority in the 2016 election, Senate Republicans have led on common sense issues, and Iowans have taken notice,” said Senate President Amy Sinclair (R) District 12, from Allerton.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds gives her Condition of the State speech at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the Iowa House chamber. This speech sets the tone for the pace and the direction of legislative sessions in the past.
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