Governor Kim Reynolds praised the 2025 legislative session as a success, highlighting sweeping accomplishments in healthcare, education, and tax reform.
“I’m proud of the work we did this session to expand on the strong foundation we’ve built,” Reynolds said, citing efforts to boost rural and maternal healthcare, create 460 new medical residency slots, and establish Iowa’s first paid parental leave program for state employees.
Education reforms focused on raising civics and math proficiency while limiting cell phone use during class. Tax cuts remained a priority, with a major reduction in unemployment insurance taxes projected to save businesses nearly $1 billion over five years.
Reynolds defended the state’s fiscal strategy, clarifying that the much-discussed “deficit” is actually an intentional return of surplus funds to taxpayers. “That’s what the Taxpayer Relief Fund is for,” she said, noting the fund’s $3.75 billion balance.
Looking ahead, Reynolds said her administration will continue targeting property tax relief and streamlining state government, with $250 million already saved through alignment initiatives.
Key bills passed this session include:
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SF 607: Unemployment insurance tax reform
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HF 972: Rural healthcare investment
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SF 619: Expanded disaster assistance
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HF 782: Cell phone-free school policies
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SF 647: Cancer research funding
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HF 784 & SF 369: Math and civics education enhancements
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HF 889: Paid parental leave for state employees
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SF 22: Hands-free driving law
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SF 615: Medicaid work requirements
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HF 1038: Opioid Settlement Fund appropriations
Governor Reynolds concluded, “We’ll keep making smart, responsible investments while ensuring Iowans keep more of what they earn.”