Two candidates are running for the 40th district of the Iowa House of Representatives in Altoona and Ankeny

Sievers: I will support policies that repeal the voucher program law that will shift millions of dollars over time from public schools to private schools that educate only 50,000 children. These laws passed by the Republican Party are not “parent choice” but “private school choice” laws that take money away from 500,000 children who attend public schools in this state. I will fight for SSA funding above 6% that we have needed for years and that our government can afford. I intend to enact policies that will implement nutrition and wellness programs in schools and early childhood programs and advance inclusion programs. I will help restore our AEAs.

What do you think Iowa's tax policy should look like? Do you think the state's priority should be lowering tax rates or spending on services for Iowans?

Gustoff: Iowans overwhelmingly support ongoing efforts to make our tax rates as low and fair as possible, and we've accomplished just that. Iowa is a national leader in letting hardworking taxpayers get more of their money while fully funding Iowans' priorities. In addition to our great work on income taxes, we must also provide Iowans with property tax relief.

Sievers: Republican legislation to cut the income tax to a flat rate may sound good on paper, but flat rates still allow the wealthy huge depreciation loopholes. This will result in billions in cuts to state revenues used for roads, infrastructure, and public services that must be paid for to keep our cities going. Low- to middle-income families will not feel the impact on their paychecks enough to offset the increases in sales and/or property taxes that will inevitably come when the once-in-a-lifetime bank of money Republicans hope to tap into is depleted. The rich pay the same price for an apple as the poor. If food prices continue to rise, Iowans will suffer. We need balanced tax reform that helps all Iowans.