As your Iowa State Representative for House District 26, I’m thrilled to share this week’s update from the State Capitol. The 2026 legislative session kicked off with energy, marking an exciting start to what promises to be a productive year for our state. We reconvened on Monday, January 12, with the traditional gaveling in of the session. It was wonderful to once again see all of my colleagues back under the golden dome ready to get to work for the people of Iowa.
On Tuesday, Governor Kim Reynolds delivered her Condition of the State address, outlining a bold agenda for her final full legislative session. At the forefront is a comprehensive property tax relief plan aimed at curbing skyrocketing assessments that burden hardworking Iowans. Key elements include capping city and county revenue growth at 2%, freezing property taxes for seniors 65 and older with homes valued at $350,000 or less and incentivizing efficient local government spending through a new performance-based grant program. Beyond taxes, the Governor emphasized expanding cancer care access, imposing stricter penalties on undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, requiring voters to affirm U.S. citizenship when registering, and banning harmful food dyes and preservatives from K-12 school meals. As the session moves forward, I look forward to reviewing her priorities and working with the Governor in good faith to deliver meaningful results for you.
This week, I had the honor of chairing my first full meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee. It was inspiring to hear from experts at the University of Iowa’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) about their groundbreaking work with Nash Keen,
the world’s most premature surviving baby. Born at just 21 weeks in July 2024 and weighing less than a can of soda, Nash spent over six months in their care before thriving at home. His story, now recognized by Guinness World Records, highlights the incredible advancements in neonatal medicine right here in Iowa and underscores our commitment to supporting life at every stage.
We also welcomed representatives from the Church Ambassador Network, who shared their impactful partnership with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Through collaborative efforts like preventive foster care ministries and reforms under the Family First Act, they’ve helped reduce the number of children in Iowa’s foster care system by over 50%. This church-state alliance demonstrates how faith-based initiatives can address societal challenges, strengthen families, and prevent breakdowns that lead to state intervention. It’s a model of community-driven solutions that I’m proud to support.
Finally, I was privileged to help introduce and pass a bipartisan resolution honoring the lives and service of two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in action last month. Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown and Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar of Des Moines lost their lives on December 13, 2025, in a tragic attack in Syria while conducting counter-ISIS operations. Three other Iowa Guardsmen were wounded, and a civilian interpreter was also killed. These heroes embodied courage and sacrifice, and our resolution ensures their legacy endures. My thoughts remain with their families, and I encourage all Iowans to join in gratitude for our service members.
As we move forward, I’m committed to advocating for Southern Iowa’s priorities—lowering taxes, bolstering health services, and fighting for our Southern Iowa values. Please reach out with your thoughts; your input shapes my work here.
