Kim Reynolds in 2022 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Crime:
In Iowa police receive the respect and support they deserve
When officers are treated like villains and other jobs are plentiful, it's no wonder that applications nationally are down and resignations are up. It's no wonder that our young people are saying "no thanks" to a career in public safety.
While we can't fix attitudes in other states, we can certainly let our officers--and officers across the country--know that in Iowa, they're welcome and will receive the respect and support they deserve.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Education:
Give families funds for education system of their choice
All schools should be required to publish what they're teaching. There's no reason to hide it--at least no good reason. The same goes for the books in the library. Parents should know what their kids have access to, and they should have a timely process
to address their concerns. Because when our parents are fully informed, they can make informed choices. And ultimately, that's what every parent deserves: a choice.
I'll be introducing legislation that allows middle- and low-income families and students with an individualized educational plan to receive a portion of the `per pupil' funds allocated annually by the state to move their child to the education system of
their choice. About 70% (over $5,300) of those funds will go directly into an account for families to customize their child's education. The remaining 30% will be distributed by the state to smaller school districts.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Education:
Launch the first teacher registered apprenticeship program
We'll be launching the first teacher registered apprenticeship program in the country, letting schools effectively grow their own workforce. High school apprentices start classroom instruction in their junior year and, within a year of
graduation, they can earn a paraeducator credential and associates degree. And for paraeducators, their day jobs will count toward student teaching requirements, greatly reducing the cost and time required to become a teacher.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Energy & Oil:
We must continue to embrace an all-of-the-above approach
Iowa is a leader in the production of both ethanol and biodiesel and the crops that make them. The Biden Administration has focused almost all of its efforts on electric vehicles, actively working to eliminate gas-powered cars.
That's a mistake, especially as China works to lock up the precious metals that make EV batteries. Instead, we must continue to embrace an all-of-the-above approach, where we support energy sources that come from right here in Iowa.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Families & Children:
Awarded grants creating 4,000 new childcare spots
But barriers to work still exist, including the need for childcare. That's also a national issue but, contrary to what some in D.C. believe, there isn't a national solution. In Iowa we've taken a bottom up approach. Last legislative session we created
the Childcare Challenge, a program where providers apply for grants that fit the needs of their communities. It's already paying off. In less than a year, we've awarded grants that will create 4,000 new childcare spots across the state.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Jobs:
Reduce unemployment benefits from six months to 16 weeks
We start by revamping our unemployment system so that it becomes a re-employment system. Today, there are many more job openings than Iowans on unemployment. Those Iowans have six months to collect unemployment benefits while they look for one of the
many open jobs. Frankly, that's more time than necessary. I'll be introducing a bill that lowers benefits to 16 weeks--about four months--and ensures that those collecting unemployment can't turn down suitable jobs while living on taxpayer funds.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Tax Reform:
Replace multiple tax brackets with 4% flat tax
Last year, the state ended with a $1.2 billion surplus, on top of nearly $1 billion cash reserves. That's good. We kept spending down. But it also means that, despite the historic 2018 tax cuts, we're still taking too much from Iowans' paychecks.
That needs to stop. Now. Tonight, I'll introduce a comprehensive bill that significantly cuts taxes for all Iowans. It eliminates our complex system of multiple tax brackets and sets one tax rate of 4%. Flat and fair.
Also, starting next year, this bill will do even more by eliminating the taxation of retirement income. For the vast majority of retired Iowans--those who rely on their 401K, IRA, or pension--that's not just an income-tax cut; it's a full income-tax
repeal. And that's how it should be. You've worked hard all your life, saving for retirement and paying your fair share in taxes. It's time you get a break from the tax collector; you've earned it, now you should enjoy it.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
On Welfare & Poverty:
The safety net has become a hammock
There are many reasons for the worker shortage, but we need to recognize that, in some cases, it's because the government has taken away the need or desire to work. The safety net has become a hammock. There is dignity in work; it gives us meaning
and purpose. So when it's degraded, when idleness is rewarded with enhanced unemployment and stimulus checks, when work begins to seem optional rather than fundamental, then society begins to decay. I'm worried that we're reaching that point.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 11, 2022
Page last updated: Apr 04, 2022