Dave Sires (R-Cedar Falls).

We are back at the Capitol in Des Moines and the 2026 legislative session has officially started. The first week is always busy with speeches from legislative leaders, the governor, the chief justice and the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard.

Senate Republicans are proud of the progress our state continues to make. Throughout the last several months, we have seen several successes come from the policies we have moved through the legislature and to the governor’s desk. This last September, we saw 528 Iowa schools improve in one or more performance categories. We also saw absenteeism rates decrease from 21.6 percent in the 2023-2024 school year to 15.8 percent in the 2024-2025 school year. More than 15,000 high school seniors were engaged in work-based learning activities and reading proficiency increased by 11 percent in just one year among third grade students.

Just six years ago, Iowa was rated 43rd in the country for tax competitiveness. In November, our state was ranked 17th, with the author of those rankings, the Tax Foundation, saying “Iowa’s…ranking has improved substantially in recent years as the result of several rounds of pro-growth and structurally sound tax reform that have greatly improved the state’s competitive standing.” We also continue to see growth in Iowa’s economy, with our state having the second most economic growth in the country in November.

We have a lot of big issues ahead of us this session, but we are excited to get back to work and start working on solutions for Iowans and their families.

Condition of the State Address

On Tuesday, we heard from Governor Kim Reynolds as she delivered the Condition of the State Address. The speech struck a solemn and emotional tone as she paused to honor two Iowans who were killed while serving in Syria. She paid tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting the nation, reminding Iowans of the real human cost of military service. The moment was especially moving as members of the fallen service members’ families were present in the chamber, drawing a heartfelt response from lawmakers and attendees alike. The governor emphasized Iowa’s enduring gratitude and pledged that their service and sacrifice would not be forgotten.

Private property rights still front and center

Protecting private property rights is poised to remain front and center at the Capitol this session as Iowans remain sharply divided over a proposed carbon pipeline. The debate has intensified as lawmakers weigh the balance between economic impacts and the longstanding principle that private land should not be taken without clear public necessity. That tension was on full display Tuesday, when the Capitol was packed with Iowans wearing red shirts, lobbying legislators and voicing strong opposition to the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Their presence underscored the depth of concern among landowners and rural communities, signaling that the issue is far from settled and will likely drive some of the most passionate discussions of the session. I remain committed to standing strong for the constitution and the rights of landowners.

Property taxes

Over the last several years, we have heard from Iowans worried about property taxes. We’ve heard from neighbors, friends, small business owners, grandparents, all worried about being able to afford the rising property inflation that continues to hit our communities. We heard you loud and clear, and property tax reform will be a major focus this legislative session.

Iowa is currently rated as the tenth worst state in the country for the cost of property taxes. If we are going to improve that rating, we must focus on real, comprehensive reform that recognizes the differences between rural, suburban and urban Iowa and helps our families, farmers, and businesses. Senate Republicans are trying to build a system that is NOT a one size fits all approach as Cedar Falls can’t be treated the same as Des Moines, and Scott County can’t be treated the same as Tama County.

Cancer rates in Iowa

The governor also spoke at length in her address on Tuesday about Iowa’s rising cancer rates, an issue that weighs heavily on families across our state. It was one of the top concerns constituents wrote to me about this year, and I share their deep sense of urgency. This week, I met with constituent Josh Wilson, who works with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. He shared information from a new report by the American Cancer Society estimating that more than 22,000 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026 alone. That number represents not just statistics, but neighbors, friends, coworkers, and loved ones. Addressing rising cancer rates will require all of us working together. It’s an issue that demands collaboration, focus, and sustained commitment, and I’m committed to being part of that work.

New Clerk

Each senator is supported during session by a dedicated clerk who assists with daily operations, constituent communications, and the flow of legislation. This year, my clerk is Riley Tracy. Riley is not a new face in the chamber, having previously served as a Senate page last year. He attends Iowa State University, where he is actively involved in several conservative student organizations. I look forward to working with Riley this session on behalf of the residents of Senate District 38.

State Senator Dave Sires represents Iowa Senate District 38 including Cedar Falls, Hudson, Traer, Dysart, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Gilbertville, Washburn, LaPorte City and Mount Auburn. Contact Sen. Sires at dave.sires@legis.iowa.gov.