Flood the zone, Iowa style

Flooding the zone, Iowa style or funnel week is here. Feb. 20 and March 20 are important dates in Iowa’s legislature. Iowa’s legislative process requires bills to pass out of subcommittee and a full committee in the originating chamber to remain eligible for consideration by legislators. However, regardless of a bill’s value, nothing is completely defeated until the legislature ends for the year.

Legislators are free to present lots of legislation for consideration. Iowans hope proposed changes will be good for Iowa’s economy and state. Bills presented don’t address the big issues but lean more to the fringe.

Last year, a legislator wanted Iowa to acquire the lower counties of Minnesota and add them to Iowa’s boundaries. It failed. This year, the governor wants to entice the Chicago Bears to build their new stadium in the Quad Cities. A “snowball’s chance in July” of happening.

Quirky legislation diverts attention from the real issues. Flood the zone with “stuff” to hide from seeking ways to make Iowa better and attract future residents.

Iowa has challenges ahead. The state faces a projected budget shortfall of $900 million to cover $1 billion for the current fiscal year. The shortfall is driven by significant tax cuts, including a 3.8% flat tax taking place with the 2026 tax year. State revenue is expected to drop to approximately $8.16-$8.5 billion with increasing spending. The state is covering the shortfall using reserve funds and the Taxpayer Relief Fund. It is not sustainable.

Iowa’s legislature and governor have chosen to flood the zone with divisive culture war issues. Instead of addressing Iowa’s real problems like a looming budget cliff, water quality, rising cancer rates, economic development, pending closures of rural hospitals and care facilities, eroding women’s health care, complete abortion ban, inadequate public school funding, bridge and road safety, aging population and exodus of our younger population. Look at the “shiny object” detracting focus to divert and divide rather than unite Iowans.

Proposed 2026 legislation has been head-scratching. Attacks on the LGBTQ community to block cities and counties passing local laws to protect LGBTQ+ civil rights. Legalization of controversial conversion therapy, broadly known to be unsuccessful and damaging. Seeking to ban student access to books offered by public libraries and book mobile regardless of parental consent. Requiring statewide dress code for all public school students by legislating appearance and cleanliness of clothes. Eliminating required vaccines for Iowa students. Selling ivermectin over the counter to humans. Eliminating no-fault divorce was introduced in sub-committee it didn’t make it through. Gee, who knew women might be trapped in an unsafe marriage?

What’s the GOP plan and why?

Control over everything. Everywhere. All at once. No matter the damage. Take away parents’ decisions for their own children. Control. Legislative control of everything.

Divert Iowans’ attentions from the GOP’s inability tackling the hard issues.

Tax reduction seems the answer to everything. If taxes are reduced which services will be sacrificed? Ambulances? Distance to hospitals and care centers? Access to health care?

Public education? Answer given when vouchers were approved for private schools.

Once upon a time, the GOP supported local control for schools, cities, and counties. Actions no longer match words. Focus has changed to issues impacting a tiny portion of Iowans with loud voices meant to divide rather than unite. Distract and deflect. Get angry if decisions are challenged. Discontinue opportunities for the public to ask questions.

It’s heartbreaking. Public schools, AEAs, universities, colleges and libraries have been targeted. Is it because strong curriculum and resources developed thinkers and not followers? Young adults and college graduates exit Iowa to build a life in a state that’s welcoming regardless of who they love or the color of complexion. Low paying jobs can’t feed a family. Lack of dependable internet infrastructure won’t attract high paying jobs.

Leaders lacking vision or desire to look to the future trap Iowa in the 1950s.

Voters of Iowa, it’s time to say enough. It’s time for a change. If players flooding the zone won’t address Iowa’s real issues, it’s time to find Iowa legislators who listen to constituents regardless of political party.

Iowa winds are changing. Can you feel it?