Rep. Joshua Meggers (R-Grundy Center).

Ahead of the Nov. 5 general election, the Sun Courier sent a questionnaire to the only candidate running for Iowa House District 54 – incumbent Rep. Joshua Meggers, a Republican from Grundy Center. District 54 includes both Hardin and Grundy counties, and a portion of western Black Hawk County.

Joshua Meggers, 44, is the Republican incumbent for House District 54. He lives with his wife Danielle and daughter Zooey in Grundy Center. He works for the Iowa Department of Public Safety/Iowa State Patrol, and is a graduate of both Hudson High School and Upper Iowa University.

1. Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Entering into my second term as State Representative, I have a proven track record of supporting tax reduction in the state of Iowa, and supporting small businesses. Ensuring that the state of Iowa is spending tax dollars in a fiscally responsible manner. I will continue to support legislation into the future ensuring that Iowa will continue to be fiscally responsible with your taxpayer dollars. Making sure that there is no future undue burden onto the taxpayer’s of our great State.

When it comes to representing House District 54 I keep in contact with my constituents and a knowledge of the local issues.

2. What particular issues would you like to see addressed by the Iowa Legislature in the session?

Property taxes should be a strong focus during this session. When I am talking with constituents about House District 54 I am hearing about property taxes. I also feel strongly about supporting ideas that will allow our small businesses to thrive and incentivize the growth of new small businesses.

3. Please explain your position(s) on private property rights and eminent domain in Iowa.

Private property rights is a very serious and important issue. The use of eminent domain should be limited in scope. I have voted in favor of supporting property rights in Iowa on two separate bills. I will continue to vote and support private property rights.

4. Where do you stand on funding for public schools, particularly rural public schools? What is your position on the Students First Act (signed into law in January of 2023) and its recent rollout?

During my first term as State Representative I supported legislation that increased funding for public schools every year. We increased the SSA funding, raised starting teacher salaries, para educator pay and allowed school districts to access their categorical funds. I will continue to support rural public schools. Our students are our future.

5. Where do you stand on access to abortion in Iowa? As of today, abortion is prohibited in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected (roughly 6 weeks of pregnancy); there are also limited exceptions for cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality, or when the life of the mother is in danger.

I am pro-life.

6. ‘Cancer capital,’ ‘cancer hotspot,’ ‘cancer crisis,’ – these are just some of the phrases being used to describe Iowa following a report earlier this year from the Iowa Cancer Registry – a research group at the University of Iowa – indicating Iowa has the second-highest and fastest-growing rates of new cancers among all the states. What should the Iowa Legislature do in the upcoming session to tackle this issue, an issue that is concerning to many Iowans?

I agree that cancer rates in Iowa are an important issue. Research being done by our Universities is important and should be encouraged. I think that we as Iowans should ask the Federal Government to look into the ingredients going into our food.

7. Housing is incredibly tight currently in many rural counties including in Grundy County. If elected, what legislation will you support to ensure Iowa’s rural counties are places young families can afford to live?

Housing in Grundy and Hardin Counties is an important issue. Looking at the homes that are being built and for sale. It is difficult to find affordable housing. This has been brought to my attention many times. I feel that it is time to start building incentives in rural Iowa. For too many years, the cities are getting the funding, not rural Iowa. We need strong infrastructure policies to help build our rural communities.

8. Iowa is predicted to end Fiscal Year 2024 with a nearly $2 billion budget surplus. How do you think the surplus should be managed?

I am a strong believer in being fiscally responsible with our taxpayers’ dollars. I am in support of looking into different avenues that would allow for tax reductions, which means more money to stay in the pockets of our constituents. I believe that the State of Iowa should only bring in enough tax revenue to pay for what is truly needed.

9. In one sentence, why should people vote for you on November 5, 2024?

I have a proven track record of voting in support of tax cuts, limited government and standing for our conservative values.