2026 Legislative session has started

We are back at the Capitol in Des Moines and the 2026 legislative session has officially started. We got off to a GREAT start this first week hearing speeches from legislative leaders, Governor Reynolds, Chief Justice Christensen, and Adjutant General Osborn.

On the first day we heard speeches from both Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh and Senate President Amy Sinclair. Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh spoke on his vision for Iowa and building on the past successes of Senate Republicans to encourage prosperity for Iowans and strengthen our state’s economy. He said, “I want Iowa to be the home they (job creators and investors) choose for growth and investment. And encouraging an environment in Iowa where government gets out of the way so innovation can thrive has effects that could be felt all across every area in our state. It brings more careers to Iowa, more investment in our communities, more people who want to live and work here with their families, more students in our schools - more opportunities for Iowans.”

While this week was full of speeches and pageantry, the paper was flowing as well! Being the Chairman of the Senate Workforce Committee, I have already received stacks of bill proposals for the Senate Workforce Committee. Also, many bill proposals were placed on my desk for the other committees that I will be serving on this session including Commerce, Judiciary, Rules and Administration, Transportation, and Ways and Means. I also will be continuing to serve on the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee as the vice chair.

As we continue into this session, my fellow Senate Republicans and myself will continue to be proud of continued progress to improve our state with legislation through the legislature and to the governor’s desk.

We have a lot of big issues ahead of us this session, but I am excited to return to the Capitol to find reasonable solutions for Iowans and their families. In an attempt to make living in Iowa as affordable as possible, one of the GREATEST ways we can continue to do that is taking LESS of your hard-earned money! To that end, Senate Republicans have released a property tax overhaul with Senate Study Bill 3001. Homeownership is a pillar of the American dream, and real property tax reform is needed to make that dream more attainable in our state.

Please know how honored I am to represent the people of Senate District 44! It is my privilege to help Iowans’ voices be heard and I am grateful for your trust in me throughout this session.