Iowa Governor-elect Rob Sand says the priorities he plans to bring before state lawmakers when he takes office in January will reflect the issues he discussed throughout his campaign.
During a recent appearance on Iowa PBS’s Iowa Press, Sand described his legislative agenda as a collection of proposals he believes could receive support from both Republicans and Democrats.
Sand, a Democrat, defeated Republican candidate Zach Lahn by 11 percentage points, becoming the first Democrat elected governor of Iowa in 20 years. Republicans will continue to hold majorities in both chambers of the Iowa Legislature.
Sand pointed to the election results as an indication that Iowans want elected officials from both parties to work together.
One of Sand’s priorities is increasing the state sales tax to provide funding for the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Iowa voters approved the creation of the fund in 2010, but it has not received its designated funding. The proposed increase would help support water quality and natural resource projects. Lahn also supported increasing the sales tax to fund the trust.
Other proposals Sand discussed during his campaign include changes to the state’s Education Savings Account program, which helps cover private school tuition, ending the state sales tax exemption for data centers, and legalizing and regulating marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.
Sand has estimated that legalizing and taxing marijuana could generate approximately $54 million in state revenue during the first year.
With Republicans maintaining legislative majorities, Sand acknowledged that advancing his proposals will require discussions and negotiations between lawmakers from both parties.
Sand has also established a transition team to prepare for the change in administration. He said he plans to meet with current state agency directors and review their operations before making decisions about leadership positions.
However, Sand identified two positions where he does not anticipate retaining the current officials: Governor Kim Reynolds’ budget director and the director of the Iowa Department of Education.
Sand raised concerns about the Department of Education’s decision to approve increased administrative payments to the private company managing Iowa’s Education Savings Account program.
Sand is scheduled to take office in January, when the new administration will begin working with the Iowa Legislature on its legislative priorities.
Source: Iowa PBS, Iowa Press – Governor-elect Rob Sand, interview transcript.
https://www.iowapbs.org/shows/iowapress/episode/14692/iowa-governor-elect-rob-sand#show-transcript
