When lawmakers wrapped up business for 2022, it was clear that the Republican majority could celebrate a record characterized mostly as a success. Not only had major legislative changes passed, but much of the ambitious agenda outlined by Gov. Kim Reynolds in her Condition of the State message in January was enacted.

The governor issued a statement applauding the lawmakers’ record shortly after the session ended.

“This legislative session, I charged the House and Senate to work together to further advance Iowa’s strong growth through policies that cut taxes, invest in biofuels and strengthen our families, communities, schools, workforce and economy,” she said. “I’m proud that our state is leading the nation in many of these areas and delivering on the promises we made to the people of Iowa.”

Here are some of the accomplishments of the 2022 legislative session with direct relevance to our area.

Changes in tax policy will reduce income taxes for many Iowans. The state’s income tax system will no longer be graduated to require a higher percentage payment by wealthier residents. Now it will feature a flat 3.9 percent rate for all Iowans subject to the tax. Corporate taxes were also cut and retirement income will no longer be taxed.

The flat income tax rate was a top priority for the governor and is a policy goal of Republicans in many states. While The Messenger has long been a strong advocate of keeping taxes as low as possible, we urge lawmakers to pay close attention to the impact of these tax reductions on state revenues. It is projected that growth in Iowa’s economy will result in the lower rates raising adequate funds to allow the state government to meet its obligations. Legislators must make sure that this optimistic forecast actually materializes.

At the strong urging of Reynolds, legislation was passed that will strengthen the ethanol industry. Basically, it requires many gas stations across the state be outfitted to sell more ethanol blends. This is good news for the ethanol manufacturers in our area and should be a boost to the local economy.

A shortage of daycare services has long been a problem in many Iowa communities. Legislation was enacted that makes various state regulations less burdensome. We hope this will stimulate the growth of daycare options in our community and across the state.

The list of legislative changes is long. It includes major changes to the state’s unemployment system, modifications in open enrollment provisions for Iowa’s schools, more money for Iowa’s Regents universities and much more.

The Messenger congratulates lawmakers on a highly productive year. We are pleased to see that unified Republican control of the governorship and both houses of the Legislature has proved to be a good arrangement. We hope voters will keep that team in place this November.