A proposal from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Department of Government Efficiency, or “DOGE”, task force to replace the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) with a defined contribution plan is drawing swift pushback. As reported by Iowa Public Radio, the committee discussed eliminating IPERS’ retirement and health care benefits, affecting more than 414,000 public workers.
In a press release, Democratic gubernatorial candidate — and current State Auditor, Rob Sand — called the idea a threat to the retirement security of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public employees, saying many chose lower-paying jobs in exchange for those benefits. Sand argued weakening IPERS would hurt recruitment and leave vital positions unfilled.
Several Republican legislators have also voiced opposition on social media. Locally, Representative Shannon Latham posted on Facebook: “Our public employees have earned those benefits. I have no interest in making changes to IPERS.”
IPERS currently provides retirement income to about one in ten Iowans.
The press release from Rob Sand can be found here: rob-sand-press-release-8-11-25
A link to Representative Shannon Latham’s Facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/ShannonLathamIA/
