When a storm knocks out the lights, a fire threatens a family home, or crime strikes a neighborhood, Iowa’s first responders don’t hesitate. They show up, no matter the risk, to keep our families safe.
For our officers in blue, that duty has become a strain. Departments across Iowa are stretched thin, and officers are working longer shifts, weekends, and holidays just to cover the gaps.
Zoom out: In Albia, Iowa, the police department is authorized for six officers — but just two summers ago, half of those positions were vacant. Nationwide, we’re down nearly 50,000 officers compared to a decade ago.
That’s why we’re leading the bipartisan More Funding for COPS Act, to double federal support for local departments. That means more officers on the street, stronger neighborhood patrols, and safer communities across our state.
Until every department is fully staffed, our officers are carrying the extra workload. They’re pulling late nights, working weekends, missing holidays to keep our communities safe.
The least Washington can do is stop taxing those extra hours, which is why we fought to include a No Tax On Overtime provision in the Big Beautiful Bill — real relief that puts more pay back in the pockets of those on the front lines.
📺 Watch Wayne County Sheriff Keith Davis explain why No Tax On Overtime is so crucial ⬇️
Bottom Line: By doubling cops funding and ending taxes on overtime, we’re giving Iowa’s first responders the respect they deserve, and the tools they need to keep every community safe.