Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Senate Democrats say affordability and public education are emerging as top priorities based on feedback from a recent survey. Nearly 800 respondents participated in the party’s legislative priorities survey over the past several weeks.
According to Senate Democrats, groceries were identified as the biggest strain on household budgets, with many respondents pointing to rising meat prices. Healthcare costs ranked second, with concerns ranging from prescription drug prices and insurance costs to provider shortages and access to care, particularly in rural areas. Other frequently cited expenses included housing, utilities, property taxes, childcare and education.
When asked what the state government could do to positively impact communities, respondents most often called for increased investment in public education, protection of water quality and the environment, and policies aimed at reducing the cost of living. Expanding healthcare access and ensuring fair governance were also highlighted as key concerns.
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