Reynolds-backed task force recommends merit-based teacher pay, reviewing state employee retirement plans

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds released the final report from her Iowa Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force on Tuesday.

It was developed by the 15 task force members based on feedback from everyday Iowans, state agencies and leaders from major Iowa companies.

The task force has spent the last 180 days figuring out ways to try to make state government cheaper and more efficient. Its final report included 45 unique recommendations.

One recommendation suggests introducing a new merit-based pay system for teachers. The state would offer a bonus structure, professional development and incentives to teachers who are improving student outcomes.

“We want to reward them for really making a difference in children’s futures, and it’s a way to showcase what they’re doing, and encourage other colleagues to take a look at maybe doing the same thing,” Reynolds said during a press conference.

The task force also recommended allowing municipalities with over 50,000 residents to combine their city and county services. The report states this could eliminate overlapping city and county services and streamline operations.

“Cities like Davenport and Bettendorf have already streamlined operations by jointly adopting the same garbage trucks, containers and GIS-enabled routing tools,” Reynolds said. “These shared investments have reduced staffing needs, improved route tracking and created a more consistent experience for residents across city lines.”

The task force is calling for a study to look at a defined-contribution retirement plan for all state employees. Current employees could keep their pension, which is based on age and years of service, or switch over to a contribution plan, like a 401(k).

“You can rest assured that IPERS will be there for your retirement, just as you planned and we’ve promised, and that, by the way, was the intent of the task force from the very beginning,” Reynolds said.

The governor said finding ways to make state government better and more efficient is the only way to reduce property taxes. 

“Every legislator is hearing that, ‘You’re pricing me out of my home, I can’t continue to pay this level property taxes,’” Reynolds said. “We’re not competitive when it comes to that either.”

Over the next few months Reynolds and her cabinet will review the recommendations and consider potential implementation.

Iowa House Minority Leader Brian Meyer (D – Des Moines) issued the following statement in response to the report:

“This Governor’s DOGE task force report is deeply disturbing, coming from individuals who’ve never worked a day in their lives. They’re attacking the very people who keep our communities strong, teachers, public safety officers, and other dedicated public servants. 
After reviewing the report, it’s clear these individuals are completely detached from reality, and their recommendations are absurd. I am disappointed that the Iowa House Republicans would sign off on a disastrous plan that puts police officers’ and teachers’ pensions at risk.”