The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Iowa House District 54:
To the People of House District 54:
The second session of the 89th Iowa General Assembly convened January 10, 2022, in regular session.
The first week of every session is filled with ceremony, and I feel honored to literally have a front row seat. Governor Kim Reynolds’ annual Condition of the State address was broadcast live on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen delivered the State of the Judiciary. The Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard Major General Benjamin Corell delivered the Condition of the Guard on Thursday morning.
The statistics shared by all three of these leaders prove Iowa is moving forward. You can watch recordings from all these presentations on Iowa Public Broadcasting Service’s (PBS) YouTube channel.
Iowa’s economy and state budget remain strong. In her annual budget proposal, Gov. Reynolds offers ideas for cutting taxes and workforce incentives. Next week, Budget Subcommittees will begin examining details of the governor’s budget proposal.
Tax relief and workforce shortage are two issues that residents of House District 54 contact me about the most.
TAX RELIEF:
Iowa’s Taxpayer Relief Fund has reached more than $1 billion. Iowa House Republicans are committed to returning this money in a responsible, sustainable way while still funding Iowans’ priorities.
Gov. Reynolds has proposed a 4% flat tax on all Iowans. Iowa House Republicans are ready to vet the Governor’s bill.
WORKFORCE SHORTAGE:
Iowa’s economy has 64,000 unemployed Iowans and 110,000 unfilled jobs. We must focus on filling the jobs we have open.
Increasing access to quality, affordable child care is key to addressing Iowa’s workforce shortage.
I’m looking forward to working on both of these issues – and more – during this legislative session.
As always, please contact me about issues that are of interest to you.
