Iowa
Iowa Republicans set up a shell game to mask the costs of tax cuts | Opinion
It is not “taxpayer relief” to use previously paid taxes to pay help pay for budget shortfalls caused by a “tax cut.”
This month, the state Revenue Estimating Conference reported new estimates showing Iowa revenue will drop by $602 million (6.2%) compared with fiscal year 2024. Further, state revenue is expected to drop by a further $428 million (4.7%) in fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025. Republicans attribute the fall in estimated revenue to the start of their 3.8% flat income tax rate next year. Republicans have promoted reducing the state income tax — which Sen. Jack Whitver derisively calls a “confiscation” — down to zero.
But Republicans have amassed a $2 billion budget surplus, $961 million in its reserve accounts, and $3.75 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund, which was supposed to be used to reduce taxes. All told, about $6.75 billion. One good question is: Why?
Republicans enacted a long-term commitment to reduced revenues due to the flax tax at an extremely volatile time during and after the COVID-19 epidemic. The federal government’s $5.2 trillion infusion into states and their economies was the largest fiscal stimulus package ever. One-time federal financial supports reduced state costs and artificially bolstered revenues. Recently, Pew Charitable Trusts observed: “The combination of temporary funds propping up budgets and the adoption of new recurring expenditures or tax cuts has left many states in a precarious position. Policymakers now must grapple with the possibility that their states’ finances are structurally imbalanced and vulnerable to deficits as one-time funds dry up but new commitments remain.”
Not wanting to “waste a good crisis,” as they say, Republicans rushed to enact a flat tax during an extremely uncertain economic time when the level of likely future tax revenues was cloudy at best.
As the COVID economic booster begins to fade, several states have experienced significant decreases in tax revenue as compared to their 15-year trend. Iowa was among states experiencing a negative difference in the fourth quarter of 2023 — mind you, before the flat income tax kicked in. Iowa experienced a 6% decrease in revenue from its historical trend, the fourth-highest difference among states that went negative, according to Pew.
Researchers explained: “State tax collections have been on a downward trajectory since their mid-2022 peak, reflecting, in large part, a decline from the unexpected highs of the pandemic revenue wave. … One question is whether states will be able to afford the budgetary commitments they made in the past three years — such as tax relief and pay raises for public employees — over the long term.”
Yet, Iowa Republicans want to enshrine their COVID-fueled tax cut into the Iowa Constitution. Last session, Republicans passed a constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the state Legislature to pass a bill that would increase the individual or corporate income tax rate. They are expected to pass the legislation a second time this session, which would likely put it on the ballot for voters in November 2026. What a way to saddle future Iowans with a hasty tax cut enacted during a most abnormal period of artificially high revenue and reduced state expenses.
It is a sure thing Republicans will hoard Iowa’s surpluses and use it to cover predicted revenue gaps before the November 2026 vote on the constitutional amendment to mask from the voting public the true and lasting impacts of their opportunistic push for a flat tax.
In fact, Republicans and Gov. Kim Reynolds passed Senate File 2442 this year, which, among other things, changed the law regarding how the Taxpayer Relief Fund could be used. Tucked away in the second-to-last division of a 35-page bill is a section that provides that, if the actual net revenue is less than budgeted expenses “there is transferred from the taxpayer relief fund to the general fund of the state an amount equal to fifty percent of the difference or the remaining balance of the taxpayer relief fund, whichever is lower.” That is a preemptive coverup of the probable result of the Republican flat tax as conceded by Republicans, themselves.
Iowa Republicans are not using the Taxpayer Relief Fund as it was originally intended. It is not “taxpayer relief” to use previously paid taxes to pay help pay for budget shortfalls caused by a “tax cut.” Most would call that a shell game. It is like giving yourself a “raise” by moving a dollar from one pocket to another. Why not just give those “confiscated” funds back to Iowans directly via refunds? Ah, but that would spoil the game, wouldn’t it?
Unmet needs and underfunded state accounts exist now. That will get worse.
Governor Reynolds states Republicans have a “commitment to shrinking the size and scope of government.” However, should not elected officials be committed first to ensuring that our government is the “right size,” before deciding it should be shrunk? That is, the right size to fully accomplish basic functions that individuals cannot meet themselves —no matter how much of their own money they have in their pockets — such as prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, ensuring safe bridges and roads, making sure promised pensions are not underfunded, cleaning up Iowa’s fouled waters, and helping public schools at least meet their costs of operation.
Tom Walton is an Iowa lawyer.
Iowa State basketball has officially signed Eric Mulder through the transfer portal. The former Purdue Fort Wayne standout returns to Iowa after a stellar career with Pella Christian.
A native of Oskaloosa, Mulder will have one season remaining to play for the Cyclones.
Officially a Cyclone!
Welcome to the Fam, @eric_mulder16!
📰: https://t.co/aEOjqL0uUt#Cyclones | #C5C pic.twitter.com/38N6RvxbgL
— Iowa State Men’s Basketball (@CycloneMBB) April 28, 2025
The 6-foot-8 forward started 23 of 24 games for Purdue Fort Wayne last season, averaging a career-high 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He suffered an injury in the middle of the year that caused him to miss a handful of games.
“A guy that will do the dirty work, Eric is a hard-working traditional big man,” Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger said. “He has shown the capability to make multiple efforts on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he is efficient and always makes the simple plays. On the defensive end, he is someone who can finish possessions of the glass and protects the rim.”
Of those 24 games this past year, Mulder scored in double figures 12 times. He also had three double-doubles, including a 12-point, 11-rebound performance vs. Penn State of the Big Ten.
Mulder averaged 5.7 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 71 percent from the field over his 91-game career. He had a career-high 15 rebounds in the 2024 CIT Tournament vs. Tarleton State, and his 78.4 percent shooting on two-point shots last year was the highest percentage in the country.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Every walk has a destination. Each year, The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Walk to End Alzheimer’s ends right back where it started. But for volunteer Dave Storey, that’s not the destination.
“Almost everyone you talk to either has had a direct involvement with Alzheimer’s or knows somebody that’s dealing with it,” Storey told TV9.
For Dave, those events are about the mission.
His own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the early 2000s. That’s what inspired him to start his own journey with the Alzheimer’s Association – helping other families cope and pushing for a cure.
“I’ve been to Washington DC multiple times to lobby to legislators for more money through the NIH. I’ve been to our state house to talk to legislators at the state house,” said Storey.
The group says all those steps Dave has taken along the way have made a difference in countless lives. It’s why they are honoring him with the Gary Wicklund Lifetime of Service Award.
“Dave’s been around for 20 plus years as a volunteer and so he is a great connector, he’s great to learn from in terms of what the Alzheimer’s Association has meant to the Iowa chapter as a whole,” said Tad Hulst with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dave knows an end Alzheimer’s is a long trek, so he’s not close to done walking it. And he’s hoping to help others he meets along the way.
“That’s the biggest thing, is communicating and elevating the awareness that we are here to help you and we can help you through your challenges,” said Storey.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
How losing 35 pounds has helped Iowa right tackle Gennings Dunker
“Cardio is definitely better and allows me to play faster,” the junior said after dropping from about 350 pounds to 315.
TV announcers often say during Iowa football broadcasts something about the Hawkeyes being known for their offensive-line play. After all, that was the position specialty of longtime Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. So, it’s a familiar narrative.
Yet when it comes to the NFL Draft, Iowa really hasn’t been shuttling a ton of offensive linemen to the next level. Sure, there have been a handful of recent high-profile (and successful) picks – with first-rounders in tackle Tristan Wirfs (No. 13 overall) in 2020 and center Tyler Linderbaum (No. 25) in 2022. But entering the April 24-26 draft, those were the only two Hawkeye offensive linemen picked in the previous six drafts. And the 2025 draft only marginally reflected Iowa’s offensive-line resurgence of 2024, when the Hawkeyes ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference in rushing.
The 2026 NFL Draft, though, should restore Iowa’s offensive-line prominence.
Yes, Iowa in 2025 did have multiple offensive linemen selected in the draft for the first time since 2015, when tackles Brandon Scherff (first round) and Andrew Donnal (fourth round) heard their names called. But both were taken in the seventh and final round, with Mason Richman (Seattle Seahawks) going No. 234 overall and Connor Colby (San Francisco 49ers) going No. 249 out of 257 picks.
Let’s take a spin through some of Iowa’s potential top prospects for the next year’s draft, which will take place April 23-25, 2026, in Ferentz’s hometown of Pittsburgh.
First-round talent: Gennings Dunker
Dunker (6-5, 316) plays a premium NFL position, offensive tackle, and has supreme strength and mobility that will translate well to the next level. Given the success that Wirfs had going from right tackle to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie in 2020, some team will find comfort in adding a plug-and-play starter in Dunker, who never even thought of entering the 2025 draft – instead wanting to play a fifth year for offensive-line coach George Barnett.
The decision could pay off with first-round millions, as Dunker will be viewed as one of the top tackles in the country in 2025. If Iowa plays well and he stays healthy, Dunker will be mentioned as an Outland Trophy candidate. According to Pro Football Focus, Dunker was the highest-graded tackle in the Big Ten Conference and No. 5 nationally in his 588 snaps in 2024. He is mauler and finisher in the run game.
Dunker may need to slide to guard in the NFL, but we’ll see. Nonetheless he has a chance to become the seventh offensive lineman under Ferentz to be taken in the first round, joining Robert Gallery (2004), Bryan Bulaga (2010), Riley Reiff (2012), Scherff, Wirfs and Linderbaum.
Video: Logan Jones on decision to return to Iowa for 2025 season
Logan Jones discusses a variety of topics on December 20, 2024.
Another can’t-miss lineman: Logan Jones
Jones (6-3, 293) also surprised many by returning for a sixth-year season rather than entering the 2025 draft. His return was also motivated by playing another year for the well-liked Barnett (and Ferentz), and it’ll also be accompanied by Rimington Trophy hype as the nation’s top center.
Jones will be a fourth-year starter for the Hawkeyes and wears the same number (65) as Linderbaum did, flashing similar athleticism and strength as the former Rimington winner from Solon. Jones in 2024 received the fourth-highest grade of all FBS centers from Pro Football Focus. While center isn’t a premium NFL position, the second and third rounds are often sweet spots for top players at that position to be drafted.
Iowa has not had two offensive linemen selected in the first three rounds since Eric Steinbach and Bruce Nelson (both second-rounders) in 2003. Dunker and Jones could break that 23-year drought.
Video: QB Mark Gronowski details his decision to transfer to Iowa
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski meets with the media on April 10, 2025.
Keep an eye on the quarterback: Mark Gronowski
Gronowski (6-3, 230) put off the NFL for one more year to transfer from South Dakota State to Iowa as a sixth-year senior. How he comes through offseason (throwing) shoulder surgery and performs regularly against power-conference competition will ultimately determine his 2026 draft stock.
But before his shoulder injury, he was viewed as a draftable prospect in the 2025 quarterback class. Gronowski’s accuracy against Big Ten defenses will be a big factor in his professional outlook. No question, he’s viewed as a winner (49-6 as a starter) with the ability to scramble for first downs.
Video: Max Llewellyn preparing for bigger role on Iowa defensive line
Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn meets with the media on April 3, 2025.
Who will be Iowa’s highest-drafted defender?
There are at least four obvious candidates and a wild-card fifth. Let’s look at each of them quickly.
Defensive end Max Llewellyn (6-5, 258): Edge rushers are a premium position in the NFL, and Llewellyn ranked No. 18 nationally in that category, according to PFF, among FBS players in 2024. Llewellyn’s strength is on the pass rush (getting 288 snaps in a backup role last year) but needs to improve his run defense as a first-time starter in 2025.
Defensive tackle Aaron Graves (6-4, 300): The fourth-year senior has supreme physical traits and has racked up decent stats despite a system at Iowa that minimizes sheer numbers for interior defensive linemen. Graves showed durability last season, too, logging 612 defensive snaps and was graded as the No. 79 overall interior defender by PFF.
Safety Xavier Nwankpa (6-2, 215): Loaded with promise, the former five-star recruit needs to deliver with a big senior season to take the next step to the NFL. With his physical traits, Nwankpa could increase his stock considerably by flashing the ball-hawking skills that made him such a prized prospect out of Southeast Polk High School. Nwankpa hasn’t had an interception since the 2023 season opener.
Video: Iowa DB Koen Entringer talks development ahead of 2025 season
Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer meets with the media on April 3, 2025.
Defensive back Koen Entringer (6-0, 207): A fourth-year junior in 2025, Entringer probably has the most athleticism in the entire Iowa secondary and has a chance to explode this season with a starting role – either at strong safety or cash for defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Entringer could become a fast riser with a 2026 draft decision to make.
Linebacker Karson Sharar (6-2, 232): Including Sharar’s name on this list because of how highly his teammates and coaches have spoken of his raw ability. Now, the oft-injured fifth-year senior finally gets a chance to start after waiting his turn behind Nick Jackson for two years at weak-side linebacker. Breakout year loading?
Iowa always has a tight end, it seems
Iowa’s recent tight-end pipeline has gone from T.J. Hockenson to Noah Fant to Sam LaPorta to Erick All Jr. to Luke Lachey … to now Addison Ostrenga (6-4, 251).
Ostrenga has the physicality and athleticism to play in the NFL, but his stats have been muted in Iowa’s passing-challenged offense over the past several years. How he connects with Gronowski in each of their final years will determine whether he’s a draftable NFL prospect. Given Iowa’s pedigree at tight end, he’ll get a strong look.
Beau Stephens bullish about Iowa’s offensive line in 2025
The fifth-year senior should slot in as the Hawkeyes’ starting left guard again. He also talks about up-and-coming guard Kade Pieper.
Two more offensive linemen worth mentioning
It’s hard to say now how recently signed Division II transfer Bryce George (6-5, 314) will translate to the NFL until we see him going against Big Ten competition (like Penn State and Oregon) for nine regular-season games. George is expected to slot into a starting tackle spot (probably on the left side) for Iowa in 2025.
Additionally, it is on the table that left guard Beau Stephens (6-6, 322) sees a breakthrough as a fifth-year senior with a lot of experience.
How can terrific Iowa placekicker Drew Stevens get better yet?
Now going into his senior year, Stevens talks about the preparing coming off a year of great success.
Another Iowa specialist on the watch list
Tory Taylor was plucked as an elite punter in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Could senior placekicker Drew Stevens (6-0, 205) follow suit? Stevens has a rocket leg with extreme accuracy, connecting on 20 of 23 field goals a year ago with his only misses coming from 50-plus yards.
Given the ability of NFL kickers like Brandon Aubrey to change games by consistently hitting from 60-plus, Stevens does have a chance to show he’s a difference-making kicker who deserves to be drafted. Three kickers were taken in the 2024 draft (all in the sixth round).
Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has served for 30 years with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Co-Sportswriter of the Year in Iowa. Join Chad’s text-message group (free for subscribers) at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on X.
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