ITR/NFIB Luncheon: What's Next for Iowa?

In this special episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow shares his full remarks from the annual ITR Foundation and NFIB Tax Day Luncheon, delivered before a crowd of engaged Iowans, legislators, and policy leaders in downtown Des Moines. Blending humor, storytelling, and serious policy analysis, Chris sets the stage for the future of Iowa’s tax reform movement.The remarks begin with a nod to Iowa’s remarkable progress on income tax reform—from a top rate of 8.98% to today’s 3.8% flat tax—positioning the state as a national leader in conservative tax policy. Chris pays tribute to Senator Jack Whitver for his pivotal role in making generational tax relief a reality and sets the tone for the next big challenge: property tax reform.He unpacks the latest ITR Foundation poll, showing overwhelming support across party lines for major taxpayer protections:Chris highlights how this public sentiment aligns with the goals of the property tax reform bill led by Senator Dan Dawson and Representative Bobby Kaufmann—a bill that includes spending caps, school funding shifts, and a new homestead exemption. He challenges local governments to stop prioritizing bureaucracy over taxpayers and urges legislators to listen to the voices of everyday Iowans.Closing with a call to action, Chris invites listeners to use ITRLocal.org to track city, county, and school district spending and get engaged at the local level. This episode is a must-listen for those following Iowa’s conservative reform movement and looking for insight into what comes next.