With state candidates announcing their campaigns for office and making plans to tour Iowa, IPERS might be a talking point during some of those stops.

After Gov. Kim Reynold’s DOGE Task Force recommended changes to the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) earlier this month numerous legislators — including those representing Marshall County — have come out against the suggestion.

Blom

Rep. David Blom (R-Marshalltown) said he firmly stands against replacing IPERS as it has served public employees well for years.

“Those who work in public service deserve their well-earned benefits, and we need tools like IPERS to attract public servants to the state,” he said.

Barker

Rep. Brett Barker (R-Nevada), who directed the T-R to refer to his Facebook posts about the IPERS recommendation, wrote that he does not support making changes to IPERS.

“These employees have earned their retirement benefits, and I fully support honoring that promise,” he wrote on his social media page.

Warme

While Sen. Kara Warme (R-Ames) did not specifically say whether or not she supports the recommendation, she added the system has been very successful and represents a promise made to public employees.

For some job seekers, the retirement benefits through the state of Iowa are a standout, as IPERS offers guaranteed income upon retirement. As a result, Blom said IPERS has helped the state recruit and retain high-quality employees.

Many legislators have said they do not foresee recommended changes made during the 2026 legislative session. Even though Reynolds gathered the DOGE Task Force to brainstorm ways to make government in Iowa more efficient, Warme said it requires legislative action.

“We have not heard of any interest to change IPERS in the Iowa Legislature,” she said.

On Facebook, Barker also wrote legislative approval would be necessary to enforce changes.

“We will continue working to make state government more efficient and eliminate waste — but IPERS should not be part of those cuts,” he wrote.

According to Blom, the recommendation comes from an unelected body who are brainstorming how to make the Iowa government more efficient.

“While I appreciate adult conversations, the recommendation to phase out IPERS is unrealistic,” he said. “The idea does not have support from elected officials like myself because we recognize the importance of the system that serves our people well.”

After the recommendation was made public, many Iowans had a strong response against the changes. Blom said it was because people in the state take pride in having the “first-class” Iowa Veterans Home, strong kindergarten through twelfth grade and college education opportunities and dedicated first responders.

“The idea of transitioning away from IPERS evoked a strong reaction from those of us who support our neighbors, community members and loved ones who are employed in the public sphere and serve many years to earn stable retirement benefits,” he said.

Teacher pay

Another recommendation DOGE had was to make teacher pay performance-based. The better the students are in academics, the more pay the teacher would receive.

The National Education Association lists Iowa as 46th in the nation when it comes to starting teacher salaries, at an average of $40,997; and 32nd in the country with overall teacher salaries at $62,399.

As the son of an educator, Blom does not support the recommendation and said it would be penalizing a teacher if a student is struggling. Educators are some of the most vital members of the Marshall County community, he added.

“This past year, Iowa House Republicans stood strong to ensure increased investments in public education and teacher pay,” he said. “While the median Iowan’s salary is $38,000, starting teacher pay is now $50,000 and $62,000 for those with 12 years of experience. I will only support legislation that supports them, increases their salaries or improves their benefits to ensure Iowa is recruiting and retaining high quality educators.”

Blom does not foresee the legislature acting on the teacher pay recommendation, either.

“I would strongly stand against any legislation that would result in any teacher or paraeducator seeing a decrease in their salary,” he added.

Blom closed by saying he always appreciates feedback and suggestions from constituents. He urged them to contact him if he can address any issues or concerns as he prepares for his second legislative session.

Warme saw the power of brainstorming happening in DOGE and appreciates the members are looking for ways to help Iowa.

“Hopefully some of their other ideas will be more applicable,” she said.

On Facebook, Barker indicated there is middle ground.

“Iowans can have both — an efficient, accountable government and attracting and retaining quality public employees,” Barker wrote.

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.