Taxes

A tax hike on HMO health insurance plans that would raise money to help the state pay for Medicaid has advanced through committees in the Iowa House and Senate. Insurance and business group lobbyists criticized the proposal, saying it would raise health care costs for Iowans.

The Big Beautiful Bill brought some changes to federal taxes. An ISU Extension financial educator shares the changes you should know before you file and resources that can help. Then, University of Iowa researchers talk about the Cancer Analytics & Maps for Small Areas map (CAMSA), a new tool they’ve developed that maps cancer risk down to your ZIP code, and how this tool could be an asset to public health officials, advocates and others. Finally — the Trump administration is rewriting the safety rules for nuclear power. An NPR reporter discusses these changes and what they could mean for Iowans.

For years, Iowans have watched their property tax bills climb. Lawmakers are under intense pressure to pass something after failing in 2025, but some city and county officials worry these proposals will hurt their ability to pay for city services. In this episode, the mayor of Dubuque, former mayor of Carroll and the president of Iowans for Tax Relief provide their perspectives. We also hear from our listeners on the issue.

Iowa House Republican leaders introduced their property tax proposal Wednesday, which includes a 2% cap on annual revenue growth for cities and counties.

On the first day of the 2026 Legislative Session, we hear from Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, House Speaker Pat Grassley, Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner and House Minority Leader Rep. Brian Meyer. The legislative leaders share their priorities, including property taxes, crime and eminent domain.

State lawmakers returned to the Iowa Capitol Monday to kick off the 2026 legislative session. It's the 10th year Republicans have had control of the Legislature.