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Stealing students’ dreams to give billionaires tax breaks

President Trump has declared that he has “won affordability.” In his State of the Union speech, he even bragged that he’s bringing costs “way down on health care and everything else.” In reality, the Trump administration is making it much harder for working families to meet their daily needs — and to fulfill their long-term dreams of higher education. The Republican tax and spending plan adopted last year — the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — includes huge tax giveaways to the rich, paid for with deep cuts to programs for working people. The Congressional Budget ...

A funnel report card

Feb. 20 saw the passage of the first legislative funnel. This is a deadline lawmakers set to winnow down bills eligible for consideration for the remainder of the session. It doesn’t apply to spending bills, but does a good job of narrowing what lawmakers will focus on around the midpoint of their time spent under the Golden Dome in Des Moines. I didn’t have high hopes for this legislative session. Considering the last handful of years, the bar had been set low. But I had a sneaking suspicion they could always go lower. So I’m kind of surprised they didn’t go even lower this ...

When child protection becomes an empty promise

As a father, my top priority is protecting my kids. When a child is placed in foster care, their safety and wellbeing become the state’s responsibility. Tragically, the state failed to protect Sabrina Ray, killed by her adoptive parents in 2017, and her siblings from abuse and torture. Because of that failure, the state of Iowa in 2023 paid $10 million to settle lawsuits brought by Sabrina’s two surviving sisters. I voted on those settlements because, as Auditor, I am a statutory member of the Board that makes these decisions. I supported those settlements not just to help those ...

MCSD opens preschool enrollment for 2026-27

The Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD) has opened enrollment for its 2026-27 preschool programs. Classrooms are located in all six district elementary schools. The program aims to provide a seamless transition into kindergarten while offering a high-quality, research-based educational foundation. The Frog Street Curriculum focuses on the whole child. Integrating physical, social, and academic growth with hands-on learning provides learning for all students. They engage in nine rotating themes throughout the year, covering essential milestones such as: Early Literacy & ...

Grant Wood memorialized Iowa’s heritage

For 46 years in a row, I’ve traveled across our state to meet with Iowans in every county, every year. Each time, I learn something new in the county I’m visiting and enjoy getting a first-hand look at high-quality goods and services made here in Iowa. Some things never change, such as Iowans’ productivity and humility. Iowans don’t brag enough to showcase the innovation, pioneering spirit and community vitality that’s part of our heritage, anchoring our economy and enriching civic life. A century ago, a native Iowan captured the essence of self-reliance intrinsic to closely ...

Iowa can do more to reduce workforce barriers

The need for more qualified workers is a bipartisan issue in Iowa. Regardless of a rural or urban setting, workforce is still a concern for many employers and communities. State policymakers have been responsive to this concern, and they have actively been easing regulatory burdens in recent years. This includes reducing barriers to employment and ensuring that unnecessary roadblocks do not deter individuals from securing meaningful work. In 2020, Iowa passed landmark occupational licensing reform, which universally recognizes out-of-state licenses. This reform is crucial, because now ...