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The Warme Wire: Week 1

This week marked the first week of the 2026 legislative session, and I was grateful to be back at the Capitol in Des Moines representing you. The opening week is always a busy one, filled with speeches from legislative leaders, the Governor, the Chief Justice, and the Adjutant General. It sets the tone for the work ahead, and I’m excited for what I hope will be another productive session on your behalf. Several messages from this week’s speeches really stuck out to me. In her annual Condition of the Judiciary address, Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen centered her ...

Inside Education: From high achievement to high impact

Phi Theta Kappa plays a vital role in helping high-achieving students at Marshalltown Community College turn their academic potential into real opportunities for scholarships, leadership, and transfer success. As the premier honor society for two-year colleges, it gives MCC students recognition and resources that directly support their educational and career goals. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing students who excel academically and want to grow as leaders and scholars. Chapters, including Apha Iota Rho at Marshalltown Community ...

Barker Bulletin: Off to the races

The 2nd Legislative Session of the 91st General Assembly convened on Monday. It was my honor to ceremonially notify the Governor that the House was duly organized and ready to receive whatever messages she wishes to convey. With this being a shorter session, deadlines come more quickly and the hard work has already begun. Thanks to the many great conversations and cups of coffee I shared with constituents throughout the district in the interim, I was prepared to hit the ground running this week. I sponsored 15 bills addressing topics including childcare workforce and affordability, ...

District 53 Newsletter from Rep. Dean Fisher

The 2026 Legislative got underway this week with the usual pomp and circumstance of speeches from the House leadership and the addresses from Governor Reynolds, Chief Justice Christensen of the Iowa Supreme Court and Major General Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. Gov. Reynolds assured us that the Condition of the State is Strong. She honored our fallen National Guard soldiers and addressed topics such as property taxes. Chief Justice Christensen outlined her priorities, particularly what she sees as a crisis regarding low pay for judges across the state. Major ...

Moving the community forward

As the calendar turns toward 2026, it is worth reflecting not just on what Marshalltown has accomplished in 2025, but on how, and why, we continue to move this community forward. At its core, local government is about delivering excellent services to every resident, every day. In 2025, that meant providing reliable public safety, maintaining streets and utilities, managing parks and public spaces, and responding to thousands of service requests across a city of more than 27,000 residents. When these services are done well, they build confidence and trust in local government. This ...

Working Families Tax Cuts make life more affordable for Iowans

Family farms, small businesses, and hardworking Iowans are the backbone of our economy and local communities. Iowa agriculture feeds and fuels our nation, small businesses keep our Main Streets vibrant, and our neighbors make Iowa truly a special place to call home. As the only Member of Congress who serves on both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, I have continuously worked with President Trump to ensure Iowa continues to thrive and deliver results to protect our farmers, grow our local businesses, and give working families a shot at the American ...