Legislature wraps, property taxes, GOP debate, new polls
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with the marathon finish to the Iowa legislature's 2026 session: the all-nighter at the capitol, culminating in the final agreement on property tax reform. They covered key parts of that bill and divisions among House and Senate Republicans—and among Democratic lawmakers—on the issue. The legislature adjourned without any action on eminent domain, but Republicans passed a bill limiting the governor's powers, new restrictions on abortion medications, a proposed constitutional amendment on taxes, and more funding for pediatric cancer research and water quality investments. News from Congress: the end of a partial federal government shutdown and what did (and didn't) make it into the House-approved Farm Bill. Finally, they discussed the first (and last) televised debate for Republicans running for governor, a GOP-commissioned poll of Iowa's third Congressional district, and a Democratic poll of the second Congressional district.
Creators and Guests
Host
Laura Belin
Laura Belin has been called “probably the hardest-working — and perhaps the best — political reporter in the state” and “one of the best investigative reporters in the state.”
Host
Spencer Dirks
Spencer Dirks is a lifelong Iowan and has been the program director at KNIA/KRLS Radio in Knoxville for 15+ years. He also co-hosts a podcast called Iowa Revolution with Dr. Robert Leonard.
