The following is a legislative update from State Representative Jane Bloomingdale (R–Northwood), representing District 60 – the western half of Cerro Gordo county, al of Worth and Mitchell counties, and a portion of Floyd county – in the Iowa Legislature:
Opening week of the 2026 legislative session began with record attendance at the GOP welcome-back breakfast and continued with speeches, receptions, and numerous discussions on priorities for the year ahead.
Governor Reynolds delivered the Condition of the State address, reviewing major accomplishments from prior years, including eliminating taxes on inheritance and retirement income, reducing the corporate income tax, and implementing a 3.8 percent flat tax for individuals. Her top priorities for 2026 include property tax reform and maintaining responsible, sustainable state budgets.
Chief Justice Susan Christensen followed with the Condition of the Judiciary address, highlighting challenges facing Iowa’s court system and urging lawmakers to address judicial salary levels, shortages of court-appointed attorneys, and modernization of the magistrate system to improve efficiency and fairness.
Major General Stephen Osborn delivered the Condition of the Guard address, beginning by honoring Iowa guardsmen killed and injured in Syria last month, and outlining the Guard’s current strength, deployments, and priorities for training, readiness, and support for both domestic and overseas missions.
While committee activity was limited during the first week, discussions focused heavily on priorities we continue to hear from constituents, including property tax reform, the use eminent domain and private property rights, and criminal justice reform to address career criminals. As expected before session, three separate property tax proposals are moving forward. The Governor and Senate have released their plans, and the House will introduce its proposal this week. I am confident we can deliver meaningful property tax relief without reducing services provided by counties, cities, and schools. The House has introduced legislation addressing eminent domain and the Senate will introduce their proposal this week. I am optimistic we can work together to find a solution all three, House, Senate, and Governor, can support. More on these topics next week.
