Challenging the Justification of High Property Taxes

## Frustrations on Property Tax
A recent Axios Des Moines article contained several quotes from city and county officials complaining about the restriction on property tax increment. We believe these officials are too often prioritizing their government budgets over the budgets of Iowans, who continue to grapple with ongoing inflation. The pressure to maintain and expand city budgets is leading to potentially unnecessary endeavors which only add to the existing financial burdens of property owners.

City budgets have grown far beyond just coping with inflation. In Des Moines, for example, more than $500 million goes into 'normal' city services. The ongoing dilemma is whether the hefty taxes and budgets are going towards filling essential needs such as fixing potholes, or towards wants like developing new buildings downtown.

## Des Moines Register Caucus Poll
Looking beyond property taxes, the episode shifted to the recent Des Moines Register's Caucus Poll, which in its latest edition sees former President Donald Trump significantly leading the pack amongst potential caucus attendees. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley are neck-and-neck as alternatives, with more independents interested in Haley.

The hosts discuss how the large number of 'likely caucus-goers' sampled, tilted the poll in Haley's favor. If only registered Republican caucus-goers were considered, the numbers would likely be more heavily skewed towards Trump and DeSantis. Based on their interactions with Republicans in the state, the hosts observe a considerable level of support and energy for Trump, and they believe this could potentially mobilize a large number of caucus-goers.