The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Hamilton, Story and Wright counties in Iowa House District 55:
The first session of the 91st Iowa General Assembly convened January 13, 2025. Members of the Iowa House and Senate were sworn into office on day one.
The first week of every session is filled with wonderful tradition and ceremony. 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 Iowa Natural Guard Major General Stephen E. Osborn delivered the Condition of the Guard on Thursday morning.
Also this week I attended the first meeting for the committees on which I serve: Appropriations, Commerce, Economic Growth & Technology, and Local Government. I am also looking forward to chairing the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee.
Legislative Priorities
With a super-majority in both the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate, Republicans will set the debate agenda for the ninth consecutive year.
Below are Iowa House Republican priorities for the 2025 legislative session:
– Economic relief. Tax cuts help Iowans weather the storm of inflation, which was a motivating factor during this election cycle. On January 1, Iowa’s income tax rate was lowered to a flat rate of 3.8%, which is a significant decrease from 8.98% when Gov. Kim Reynolds took office in 2017. In 2025, the focus will shift to lowering property taxes. We also are exploring ways to lower costs of childcare and energy, as well as expand affordable housing.
– Safe Communities. On the campaign trail, Iowans consistently mentioned their concerns about illegal immigration. We must ensure state laws do not incentive illegal immigrants to make Iowa their home. We also must continue efforts to properly fund public safety and stop crimes – drugs and human trafficking – related to illegal immigration.
– Bright futures for Iowa kids. We want to provide support for kids born into tough situations by exploring changes to the foster care system and lowering the cost of adoption. We must continue to properly fund education and ensure our schools stick to core subjects like math, science, reading and history.
Constituents in the Capitol
I always say that I can’t represent you if I don’t hear from you, so I welcome visits from constituents at the statehouse. This week I enjoyed meeting with members of the Franklin REC about their defined electric service territory, which protects rural Iowans by fostering a resilient grid and encouraging economic development. Iowa Communications Alliance members Roger Kragel of Dumont Telephone and Todd Van Epps of Stratford Communications talked with me about the importance of rural broadband and how their local companies are working to close the broadband gap.
Congratulations to the Hamilton County Childcare Coalition for being recognized during the Governor’s Condition of the State address for their public-private efforts to address the county’s childcare crisis. The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation worked with the coalition to create a fund, allowing businesses and individuals to make charitable donations to support the program. As a result, the number of daycare spots available and wages for childcare workers both increased.
