Stop Iowa’s Fiscal Death Spiral

I am writing to express my deep concern over the fiscal trajectory of our state under the current Republican leadership. Recent reports indicate that Iowa is facing a projected budget shortfall of $1.3 billion this fiscal year, with tax revenues declining by 9% instead of the anticipated 4.8%. This alarming development is largely attributed to the sweeping tax cuts enacted through the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and the state's automatic adoption of federal tax changes, which have further eroded our revenue base. Despite these challenges, Republican leaders have expressed confidence in our reserve funds, totaling approximately $6 billion, to cover the shortfall. However, this approach raises significant concerns about the long-term sustainability of our state's finances. Dipping into reserves to cover ongoing expenses is a temporary solution that does not address the underlying structural issues contributing to our fiscal instability. Iowa House Minority Leader Brian Meyer aptly described the situation as a "fiscal death spiral," emphasizing that the promised economic growth from these tax cuts has not materialized. Instead, we are witnessing a decline in essential services and an increased reliance on one-time funds to balance the budget. As your constituent, I urge you to take immediate and decisive action to address this fiscal crisis. Specifically, I request that you: Advocate for a comprehensive review of the state's tax policies to assess their impact on revenue generation and public services. Support measures to diversify Iowa's revenue streams, reducing our dependence on volatile income tax revenues. Prioritize investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all Iowans. Work collaboratively with your colleagues across the aisle to develop a balanced and sustainable budget that does not rely on depleting our reserve funds. The current fiscal path is untenable and threatens the future of our state. I implore you to demonstrate leadership and work towards a solution that ensures Iowa's financial stability and continued growth. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your response and to seeing concrete actions taken to address these concerns.