Time to pay attention

Following politics isn’t favored pastime of most Iowans. Most would prefer a root canal to reading legislation, columns, or watching news coverage.

Politicians understand and make legislative process seem mystical and too complicated for the general population. Iowans have allowed government to determine what’s “best for us” without asking or wanting our opinion.

It’s time to pay attention.

Iowa has a trifecta one-party rule of the Iowa House, Senate and Governor’s Office. Lawmakers claim a mandate and merrily go their way setting a course with little attention or give access to Iowans outside their own political party.

It’s time to pay attention.

Let’s review. Remember unwanted school vouchers syphoning public money to private schools to cripple rural schools and the education system? Banning books in schools regardless of parental decisions. Student pronouns were a “big deal.” Fear-mongering about transgender kids sparked solutions looking for a problem. Culture wars flamed where they didn’t exist. Legislation denied rights to the LGBTQ+ population. Young people exited the state seeking welcoming environments. Scapegoating teachers fueled a shortage of educators.

Iowa is looking at a budget cliff in the next two years. Flat income taxes, property tax reduction, eliminating income tax for retirees and limiting cities’ and counties’ taxing authority resulted in an estimated $1 billion budgetary deficit. Iowa’s bridges are failing. Counties can’t fix them.

The GOP majority in each legislative chamber allowed the Governor was allowed to reshape state government agencies without opposition. If legislators murmured concern about proposed bills, threat of a primary opponent was issued. Most complied with her wishes regardless of constituent concern.

On Monday, January 12th, the Iowa Legislature convened for the second year of the 91st General Assembly (2025-26) beginning with property tax focus, and will likely have debates on eminent domain, cancer care, and immigration. It’s Gov. Reynolds’ final legislative agenda before retiring.

The governor plans to reduce costs. Buried in the final pages of the governor’s 90-page property tax bill is a proposal that would fundamentally change how Iowa county government works. Thanks to the Adams County Recorder for sounding the alarm!

Senate Study Bill 3034 or SSB3034 proposes to change county auditor, treasurer and recorder from elected positions to appointed positions by the board of supervisors.

Current officeholders would be allowed to finish their terms, but once a term ends, those offices would no longer be filled by voters, a major shift in the way counties operate. The assessor isn’t elected but hired by the board of supervisors.

County auditors, treasurers and recorders aren’t just administrative but also oversee elections, tax dollars, land records and public trust. Proposed changes move decision-making power away from the voters to the hands of a small governing body — the board of supervisors. What could go wrong?

Issue go beyond tax policy and cost reduction to questions about local control, accountability, transparency, and the role of voters in county government. Voters must be aware of what is proposed and the long-term impact it will have on local government. Did counties generate the ideas?

Iowa Legislative Session has convened under the golden dome in Des Moines. Stay informed about decisions that will impact your lives and livelihood.

Contact state legislators by letter, email or phone and leave messages at the capitol. Attend public forums scheduled in your towns. Check with local Chamber of Commerce for dates. Creston Chamber scheduled forums for 8 a.m., Feb. 14 and March 28 in the depot meeting room. Corning is at 10 a.m., same dates, at the Corning public library.

It’s time to pay attention. Legislators must listen to constituents. Our job is to ask questions and demand answers.