Like so many Iowans, I grew up around people who worked hard, saved every dollar they could, and dreamed of buying a home in the same communities where they grew up.
The problem: Today, that basic Iowa dream is slipping out of reach for too many families.
📆 Federal housing programs are stuck in the past and haven’t been updated in decades
🏘️ 1+ million Iowans rent — and nearly half pay over a third of their income on rent
🛑 Washington red tape is blocking progress, especially in rural communities
Why it matters: When young couples can’t afford a first home, when families can’t cover basic repairs, and when folks are forced to move away from their hometowns just to find housing, it threatens the future of Iowa’s small towns.
Small-town Iowa thrives when families can stay close, put down roots, and build a future. That’s the heart of who we are — and exactly why we’re leading bipartisan solutions to make homeownership more affordable for Iowans. ⬇️
This week, we advanced bipartisan, commonsense Iowa-first solutions to:
🏡 Expand local housing options by making it easier to build mother-in-law suites
🔧 Raise loan caps so families can afford essential home repairs
🔍 Audit rural housing programs to cut waste and eliminate inefficiencies
📊 Improve transparency and accountability throughout housing programs
Bottom Line: Iowa families work hard for the chance to own a home. I’ll keep fighting to cut red tape, strengthen our small towns, and make sure every Iowan has a fair shot at the American dream.