The first day of the 91st General Assembly began with the swearing-in ceremony. As the week progressed, the House and the Senate convened for a joint session to hear Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State address, as well as Chief Justice Susan Christensen’s Condition of the Judiciary. Lastly, we heard from Major General Stephen Osborn, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, on the Condition of the National Guard
On Tuesday, Jan. 14 Gov. Reynolds delivered the 2025 Condition of the State Address. She stated the condition of the state is strong. Iowa ranks No. 1 nationally as a state for retirement, for millennial home ownership and fiscal responsibility. We are No. 2 in cost of living and No. 3 for opportunity. Significantly, we are the sixth-best state overall. Past accomplishments in lowering our state income tax rates to 3.8% have contributed to our current ratings.
With several priorities put forth, the House will evaluate the bill proposals and budget recommendations in the coming weeks. There is excitement with the inclusion of early childhood, childcare and preschool education among the priorities. The mention of funding to determine factors that contribute to cancer is also heartening.
On the morning of Jan. 15, Chief Justice Christensen spoke to the legislature on the Condition of the Judiciary. While focusing on commitment, a request of the legislature was to continue our commitment to additional funding to support judicial salaries and court-appointed attorney fees. The House will look at staffing levels of magistrate judges to improve efficiency while maintain access across Iowa.
Thursday morning, Jan. 16, the legislature received an address on the Condition of the National Guard by Major General Stephen Osborn, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard. Major General Osborn discussed the Guard’s significant achievements in 2024, its contributions to both domestic and international missions and plans for future operations. He also informed the legislature that the Iowa National Guard’s top priorities are modernization and maintaining a constant state of readiness so that they can properly execute operations in 2030 and beyond.
Visitors to Des Moines last week included Justin Gullekson of Decorah Bank and Trust, Jill Huffman and Jacqui VanMinsel of MiBroadband and Brenda Hackman of Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative. Tony and Marti Post met with me to discuss funding support for pediatric cancer research. Brig. General Mark Kappelmann accompanied Major General Stephen Osborn during his visit to the Capitol to deliver the his Condition of the Iowa Guard address. Brig. General Kappelmann is a graduate of Decorah High School.
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