Sorensen looks back on Week 3 at the capitol

As week three gaveled in, the pace at the capitol is picking up quickly. Committee work is in full swing and many bills are beginning their journey through the legislative process.

Like many Iowa families, our household stayed busy this past weekend with kids’ activities and events. When I am not serving at the capitol, I am often in the studio working on murals and preparing for another season of honoring those who served. Balancing family, public service and small business ownership keeps life moving fast — but it also keeps me grounded in the same realities many Southwest Iowa families face every day. The following are several important issues now moving through the House.

Property tax relief — putting taxpayers first

We have introduced a proposal designed to bring predictability, transparency and some meaningful relief to Iowa homeowners. I encourage you to research the governor, senate and house’s plans and let me know how the house can improve ours. The following is a high-level snapshot of the House plan:

The plan includes a $25,000 homestead exemption, meaning residential property owners would not be taxed on the first $25,000 of their home’s assessed value — delivering immediate relief and helping Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money.

It also places a 2% cap on revenue growth for cities and counties, limiting how fast property tax collections can increase while still allowing for new construction and responsible community expansion.

Finally, the proposal strengthens truth-in-taxation tools, giving taxpayers clearer information about where their dollars are going before rates are finalized.

Government should grow responsibly — not automatically. This proposal shifts the focus toward protecting family budgets instead of guaranteeing government revenue. I expect thoughtful debate as this bill advances.

Keeping healthcare accessible in rural Iowa

Access to quality healthcare continues to be a major priority, especially for smaller communities across Southwest Iowa.

I have been meeting with stakeholders on potential legislation that could provide additional flexibility for medical providers — helping keep clinics open and reducing the need for long drives to receive care.

For rural regions like ours, healthcare access is not a convenience — it is essential infrastructure. I am committed to supporting practical solutions that help sustain care close to home.

Supporting veterans and Iowa families

I was recently contacted by a local veteran regarding legislation that would allow Transfer on Death deeds for real estate in Iowa.

TOD deeds allow property to transfer directly to heirs without the cost, delay and complexity of probate. Most surrounding states already offer this option.

Allowing TOD deeds could:

Save families thousands in legal expenses

Simplify estate planning

Reduce court burdens

Provide peace of mind for veterans and their spouses

This is a practical policy idea that deserves serious consideration as the session progresses.

Responsible innovation in artificial intelligence

As chair of the economic growth and technology committee, I continue working on legislation focused on responsible AI development.

The objective is straightforward: encourage innovation while protecting children and promoting transparency. Iowa has an opportunity to lead with a measured, commonsense framework that supports both families and our growing technology economy without placing unnecessary burdens on job creators.

Looking ahead

The coming weeks will bring longer floor debates and some of the most consequential policy discussions of the session. If you have thoughts on legislation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, my legislative coffees have been posted for you to check out if you haven’t already: https://sorensenforiowa.com/legis-coffees

I am honored to represent nearly 30,000 constituents across our five counties in southwest Iowa, and to serve all Iowans with common sense, fiscal discipline, and respect for your hard-earned dollars. I can be reached at Ray.Sorensen@legis.iowa.gov.

Our Liberties We Prize, and Our Rights We Will Maintain!