Calvin Horn. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Calvin Horn, Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 76

Calvin Horn, 68, was born and raised in Cedar Falls and has been a resident of nearby Elk Run Heights since 1999. His family includes his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1976. After high school, Horn spent four years at the University of Northern Iowa as an undeclared major studying the STEM disciplines. He is retired from residential rental property management.

1. What would be your top three legislative priorities if elected?

For me it’s all about the future. Our world is changing at an accelerating pace with the advent of new technologies like AI. With that in mind, our Legislature should always be thinking ahead. We need to build frameworks for new technologies. Data Centers are a perfect example. There is nothing wrong with the idea of Data Centers. I feel they need to be regulated at the state level because they use resources that affect the entire state, not just one community. These companies are here because of Iowa’s abundance. We can’t let them steal it from us. They must pay their own way and their fair share of taxes. They are making fortunes. We need to protect our water and other natural resources. Once guidelines are in place local communities can decide if they want to accept data centers or put stricter guidelines in place.

Our children are our future and should always be our number one priority. My priority will be to do everything possible to give all of today’s children the best possible education. I believe curriculum should be developed by Educators, not Legislators. We need to fully fund our public schools and fairly compensate educators for their hard work. Three years ago I would have voted no to vouchers. Today, because many children have changed schools to use the vouchers, I would recommend a graduated income cap. The vouchers should not be a subsidy to educate the children of the wealthy. Schools that accept vouchers must be held to the same minimum standards as public schools, be accountable to the public for where the money goes, and we need clear penalties for those who fail to comply.

Iowa House District 76 boundary lines. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE IOWA LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY

Mental Health is a huge concern of mine. Several years back Iowa abandoned its mental health system rather than try to fix it. It’s time to fix it. Right now when a person with a mental health problem or drug addiction behaves poorly and draws the attention of law enforcement there are few options other than putting them in jail. Once they have a record it becomes increasingly likely they will be returned to jail the next time they misbehave. Incarceration is far more costly than treatment and does not solve the mental health issue. We need to invest in mental healthcare.

2. What issues are you hearing most from voters currently?

Education, water, Healthcare (mental health, cancer, women’s health, cost), affordability, economy, taxes.

3. How will you address property taxes if elected?

Right now it seems like nobody fully understands the property tax bill the legislature actually signed into law last spring. I see property taxes as a local issue. Iowa’s Counties, Cities, and School Districts vary too greatly to write a one size fits all bill. Local issues are best solved locally. The only thing I would consider adjusting is the Senior Homestead Exemption.

4. What do you propose should be done to improve water quality in the state? Do you support raising the state’s sales tax to fund Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund? Please explain.

I believe we should protect our water from all contaminants, in particular nitrates. Prolonged exposure to nitrates in drinking water at half the level of the EPA standard has been shown to greatly increase risk of cancer among other health risks. Several years ago, Iowa State University developed the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. To date, participation has been voluntary and not widespread and therefore unsuccessful. With the help of farmers and other experts I would propose incentives and regulation to achieve success. The Natural Resources and Outdoor Trust Fund was created via a Constitutional Amendment approved by 62.8% of Iowa voters in 2010. It requires a 3/8 of a percent increase in Iowa’s Sales Tax and has never been funded since its inception 16 years ago. This is a real quandary for me. Going against the will of 62.8% of Iowa voters seems terribly wrong, but I oppose increases in Sales Tax. A lot has happened in the past 16 years. I would need to listen to my constituents.

5. Rising cancer rates are a concern for many Iowans. What action should the legislature take to lower the rate?

The Legislature needs to continue funding for the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. They are conducting research into causes, prevention, and treatment of cancers. But most importantly, the information gained needs to be acted upon. We need to always listen to the experts in the field, not those who stand to profit the most.

6. With physicians leaving the state, medical facilities either closing or reducing services and rural EMS often struggling to recruit/retain volunteers, what will you do to repair the health care system in Iowa?

First, healthcare decisions need to be made by doctors and patients, not legislators. Our Legislature needs to stop threatening to punish providers for caring for their patients. I think increasing the numbers of Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners will help. I think the Legislature needs to provide funds for rural EMS and provide protections for volunteer EMS Personnel. My understanding is that volunteer EMS Personnel are at the same risk of being sued when things go wrong as those who are being paid and are offered no protections.

7. Public school districts have said the amount of money received from the state each year needs to be increased. Do you agree with that stance? Please explain. How much money do you think districts should receive each year?

While local school districts have invested greatly in their schools, the state of Iowa has been under funding public education for the past several years. The state’s investment has not even kept up with the rate of inflation plus they have cut some programs and taken money away via vouchers. This is the money used to pay teachers and I believe good teachers are the key to good education and deserve to be compensated accordingly. We need to fund public education at a rate that at least matches inflation.

8. As agriculture becomes increasingly concentrated and consolidated, what should Iowa be doing to prioritize opportunities for independent and small family farms, as well as beginning farmers who don’t have inherited land or other significant assets? Are the current policies sufficient, and if not, what specific changes would you support?

If we want to help independent, small family farmers, and beginning farmers our Legislature needs to stop catering to Big Ag, the guys who control the prices of farm inputs and the price the farmer receives for his finished product. They are putting the squeeze on farmers. Sometimes I think there is a plan to bankrupt small farmers so the big guys can buy at a discount.

9. In 2025, Iowa removed gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act (state code). Do you support that change? Please explain.

I do not support that change. Everyone deserves the same rights as me. No more, no less. It is unfortunate that in 2026 discrimination for unjust reasons still exists. But it does.

10. Why should voters choose you in the race for Iowa House District 76?

I care about the needs of all Iowans, not just a powerful few. I have the ability to understand complex issues and to look at the issues from all sides to arrive at the best possible solutions. I understand numbers and money, and detest waste. I will put Iowa and its people first.