Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, is running unopposed for another term serving Iowa House District 50.
Wilburn is the only candidate on the ballot for the Ames-based district. He formerly served as chair of the Iowa Democratic Party.
No Republican filed for the race.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, statewide and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2.
Who is Rep. Ross Wilburn?
What would be your top issue if elected?
Wilburn (D): Making Iowa No. 11 in education again. Leading in education and opportunity for everyone historically was what made Iowa a guiding light for our nation.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa’s education system?
Wilburn (D): Policies that support effective use of public dollars by setting school funding at 5% to provide equitable public education for all students, regardless of their ZIP code. At least set an income ceiling on the Education Savings Account vouchers. Hold any remaining administrators and consumers of the ESA voucher program accountable by implementing transparency measures and appropriate oversight of our tax dollars. Expand preschool access for every 4 year old and emphasize the importance of early childhood education. Strengthen educator recruitment and retention by protecting Iowa’s public retirement system (IPERS).
Do you support Iowa’s recent tax policy changes, including lowering income taxes, and what additional tax law changes would you support?
Wilburn (D): I support the Iowa House Democrats’ “Immediate Property Tax Relief Plan,” which would: 1. Triple the homestead tax credit. 2. Give homeowners a $1,000 rebate and $500 to renters. 3. Ensure retirement benefits for police, fire and EMS. 4. Freeze seniors’ property taxes. Our plan would also provide certainty and stability to local governments so they can have the ability to plan for local services and infrastructure.
What actions would you support to address Iowa’s high cancer rates?
Wilburn (D): Implement the Iowa House Democrats’ “Iowa Healthy Water Act.” 1. Fund a $600,000 statewide water monitoring program. 2. Create clean water tax credits for farmers. 3. Create the Iowa Water Quality Loan Program. 4. Triple state funding for Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. 5. Establish the Iowa Clean Water Certification Plan.
When do you believe it is appropriate to use eminent domain, and should it be used to build carbon capture pipelines?
Wilburn (D): I support the current eminent domain law as described in Iowa Chapter 6A, including the limitations and limitations on exercising of power. This includes the limitation that states, “Private use that is incidental to the public use of the property, provided that no property shall be condemned solely for the purpose of facilitating such incidental private use.”
How would you remedy Iowa’s budget deficits driven by lost revenue? Are there certain services you would prioritize for cuts?
Wilburn (D): Review previously granted commercial tax incentives and assess the return on investment for the benefit of Iowans for adjustment or phasing out. Implement Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (iWiLL), the constitutionally protected trust fund approved by 63% of voters in 2010 to provide permanent funding for water quality, soil conservation and wildlife habitat. It remains unimplemented and unfunded by the legislature. Place a ceiling on and eventually repeal the school voucher program. Public dollars for public K-12 education.
Read more about the midterm candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/.
Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Rep. Ross Wilburn running unopposed in Iowa House District 50
Reporting by Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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