Iowa political leaders react to Gov. Kim Reynolds' eighth Condition of the State address
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds delivered her eighth Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday evening.
Shortly after the governor completed her address, political leaders from both parties began sharing reactions and responses to the governor's speech.
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart:
"From private school vouchers to tax breaks for the well-off and well-connected to taxpayer-funded settlements for their friends, Republican chickens are coming home to roost. Nothing in Governor Reynolds' speech tonight indicated she is taking our state in a new direction as we face an ag economy downturn, persistently high prices, and a culture of corruption in Des Moines. Instead, Governor Reynolds and her allies in the legislature seem intent on catering to the powerful and the wealthy, not regular Iowans. Democratic legislators are ready to get to work solving problems and the IDP is already organizing to hold Republicans accountable for the path our state is on."
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig:
“Gov. Reynolds’ bold leadership and clear vision keeps Iowa moving forward, and I have full confidence that this legislative session will produce even more victories for Iowa’s families.
Because of the steadfast commitment by the Governor and Legislature to budget responsibly each year, the State of Iowa is again in a position to lessen the tax burden on hard-working families and small businesses while also making key investments in budget priorities.
As the bedrock of our economy and our rural communities, agriculture remains our state’s most important industry. My team is again ready to work with lawmakers to support and protect Iowa’s $20 billion livestock industry, build markets for Iowa products, accelerate our statewide water quality and conservation work, grow Iowa’s renewable energy dominance, and implement innovative workforce solutions that strengthen the vitality of our rural communities.
I am eager to work with Gov. Reynolds and the Legislature to make Iowa an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic:
“Tonight, the governor laid out her vision for Iowa, and once again, it’s clear she plans to side with wealthy corporations and the rich, while making life harder for Iowa’s working families. Under Reynolds’ leadership, Iowa’s students and teachers have been left to face growing challenges with fewer resources, children have been forced to go without the meals they need to thrive, and hateful legislation targeting already vulnerable communities has been passed. All with little support from the majority of Iowans.”
“Iowans deserve a leader who fights for families, not corporate donors and their profits. Gov. Reynolds’ priorities are out of touch with the values and needs of our state. We will continue to advocate for a government that invests in our communities and works for everyone–not just the privileged few.”
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird:
“If tonight’s Condition of the State address made one thing clear, it’s that Iowa is a success story. With Governor Reynolds’s unwavering leadership, we have led the nation in promoting freedom and opportunity. And now, her bold vision for our state promises that the best is yet to come. I look forward to partnering with Governor Reynolds as we continue to uplift families, protect parental rights, and keep Iowans’ money in their pockets.”
Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann:
"Tonight, Gov. Reynolds laid out a clear and concise plan for the legislature in 2025. Now the Republican-led legislature will build off some of their major wins from 2024, such as the tax rate being lowered from 8.9% to a 3.8% flat tax this month and the consolidation of state government agencies which has saved the taxpayers $217 million. Gov. Reynolds will build off this momentum by continuing to cut taxes for Iowans, holding higher education institutions accountable, further eliminating DEI, and banning cell phone usage by students during instruction so students get the most out of their education. With Gov. Reynolds at the helm of our state, it's safe to say the condition of Iowa is strong!"
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull:
“Governor Reynolds has led Iowa with a bold conservative agenda and strong vision for the future. Under her direction, she has banned our foreign enemies from buying Iowa farmland, expanded educational opportunities for our kids, and cut taxes for our families. I applaud her leadership and am grateful for her friendship. I know that she will continue to achieve important victories for our families, farmers, businesses, and communities.”
Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown:
“Governor Reynolds, we agree that Iowa public schools are great. We look forward to our continued work with you and the Iowa Legislature to enhance and support Iowa’s public schools and education employees. We appreciate your commitment to early childhood education and look forward to expanding access to all Iowa students.
Amazing things are happening in our schools, and we know we have some of the best and brightest leading this work. Iowa educators are helping students prepare for increased global competition and innovation, technological advancements, and many other rapidly growing occupations and jobs. We are proud of their work, and their voices are vital at the table as the details of these proposals come together.
We look forward to finding ways to work together to continue the great work in schools and communities across the state.”
Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand:
"I hope Governor Reynolds will work with our office’s local government efficiency program we launched 6 years ago–so successful that it has been copied in two other states, rather than inefficiently duplicating efforts.”
Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver:
“Tonight, Governor Reynolds began her speech by focusing on Iowa’s high national ranking in affordability, fiscal responsibility, and opportunity. She highlighted our many hard-earned victories over the last 8 years. Again, Governor Reynolds laid out a clear and optimistic vision to continue making Iowa the best state in the country. Senate Republicans look forward to working with her this session.
I am humbled by her kind and encouraging words tonight about my health battle. My family and I are truly grateful for her support and friendship during the last year.”
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City:
“After eight years of Republican leadership, housing isn’t more affordable, childcare isn’t more accessible, and costs for everyday Iowans continue to rise. There is much work to be done. After years of nonstop culture wars, Senate Democrats welcome the opportunity to address the issues affecting Iowa families, pocketbooks, and communities.”
This is not an exhaustive list and will be updated as more statements are released.
» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: |