What Nearly 800 Iowans Told Us Matters Most in 2026
In the last few weeks, nearly 800 of you responded to our 2026 legislative priorities survey, telling Senate Democrats about the issues most important to you and your families. Thank you so much for your feedback!
We’ll share more detailed information about your responses in the coming weeks, but I want to take a moment to look at your responses to two specific questions.
Cost of Living is Putting Pressure on Iowa Families
We know Iowans are feeling the squeeze as household budgets get tighter. That’s why we’ve made lowering costs and making life more affordable for working families our main priority going forward. So, we asked: What costs/goods impact your family’s monthly budget the most?
The top answer, by far, was groceries. The rise in food prices is outpacing inflation, meaning your weekly grocery haul is more expensive. While grocery costs are generally more expensive across the board, many of you noted the uptick in meat prices as particularly worrisome.
The second-highest answer was healthcare. Your examples included prescription drug costs, nursing facility care for a loved one, provider shortages and unavailable services in your local area, limited reproductive healthcare access, and rising insurance costs.
Respondents also talked about housing, utilities, property taxes, insurance, childcare, and education.
What Iowans Want From Their Government
We asked: What could your state government do to make a positive impact on your community? Here are your top-line answers.
Invest in public education
You overwhelmingly called for better funded public schools, voiced your opposition to private school vouchers, and talked about teacher pay with worries about brain drain.
Protect the water and the environment
You see Iowa’s water quality as a top concern tied to long-term health and community well-being. Many of you wrote about active monitoring, enforcement, and polluter accountability that goes beyond symbolic measures.
Make life affordable
Respondents included cost-of-living pressures like housing, healthcare, childcare, utilities, and groceries, as well as concerns about burdensome restrictions for folks on SNAP/WIC or other assistance programs.
Expand healthcare access
Many of you wrote about your worries about potential rural hospital closures, long waits, and rising insurance costs. Respondents are especially concerned about provider shortages.
Ensure fair governance and rights
Survey respondents want a government that works for people, not corporations. You talked about fair taxation, limits on corporate influence, and protecting individual rights.
