Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Delivers State Condition Address
Governor Kim Reynolds delivered her ninth “Condition of the State” address on January 12, 2026, in Des Moines. As the legislative session commenced, Reynolds outlined her priorities for the year and addressed pressing issues, especially property taxes.
Iowa’s Legislative Focus
In her address, Reynolds emphasized the need for property tax reform. Rising property taxes have become a concern for many Iowans, outpacing inflation and wage growth. She noted the significant increase in property taxes experienced by residents, including a farmer who reported a fivefold increase.
Property Tax Proposals
- Introduce a property tax bill to cap revenue growth for local governments.
- Propose changing property tax assessments to every three years, rather than every two.
- Freeze property tax bills for seniors aged 65 and older with home values under $350,000.
Reynolds stated, “Whether you live in a small town or a growing suburb, property taxes are rising faster than your paycheck.” The governor’s proposals aim to alleviate the burden on homeowners and given additional emphasis to senior citizens facing increased financial pressure.
Challenges Faced by Iowans
During her speech, Reynolds honored Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, one of two Iowa National Guardsmen killed in an ambush in Syria. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by military families and discussed the ongoing support needed for veterans. Currently, nearly 178,000 veterans reside in Iowa, but only one-third receive the benefits they’ve earned. Reynolds plans to modernize the support system for these veterans.
Political Landscape
The Iowa legislature consists of 100 House members and 50 Senate members. Republicans hold a strong majority in the House at 67 to 33 but have reduced their advantage in the Senate to 33 to 17. This shift means they need at least one Democratic vote for confirmations.
Legislative Priorities Across Parties
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have prioritized property tax reforms. Senate Republicans aim to reduce tax rates when inflation exceeds 2%, while House Democrats propose initiatives that include freezing property taxes for seniors and tripling the Homestead Tax Credit.
Expanding Homeownership Opportunities
In addition to her plans for property tax reform, Reynolds proposes creating tax-deductible savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, allowing families to prepare for future home ownership more effectively. She also emphasized support for young farmers and the importance of multigenerational family farms.
Conclusion
Governor Reynolds’ address highlights the ongoing struggles with property taxes and aims for legislative solutions to support the state’s residents, particularly seniors and veterans. As the 2026 legislative session unfolds, the push towards reform reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for all Iowans.
