Steven Bradley, State Representative, Dist. 66

     Personal history: Born in Napa Valley, Calif., my father was stationed in the Navy. When I was 3 months old, we returned to Epworth. I graduated from Western Dubuque High School, Epworth, in 1975. I attended the University of Dubuque, Loras College, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1982. I attended Marquette University Dental School, Milwaukee, Wis., and graduated in 1986. I have been a practicing dentist in Cascade for 37 years. I have been married to Candace Bradley for 27 years. I have two step-children and five step-grandchildren.

   Why should voters vote for you? Every day I listen to patients who come into my dental office; that is what I do problem solve. I hear their concerns for their family and our country. I am their voice in Des Moines; I work for you. We are a citizen legislature; each person brings their own particular specialty to the House of Representatives.

   Why are you seeking the office of State Representative, Dist. 66? Iowa is my home. I am in the healthcare profession to help people, and helping the citizens in the State of Iowa is something I value. I have worked to return power and freedom back to the people. I’ve followed through listening to constituent’s concerns to strengthen our Second Amendment rights, protecting the unborn, support law enforcement, protecting girls sports. It is critical to have a conservative voice representing Jones and Jackson counties and I want to be that voice.

   How do your qualifications/skills prepare you to be an effective State Representative? I was president of the Iowa Dental Association and chairman of the Iowa Dental Board for 18 years. During that time, I was involved in the legislature working with legislators and lobbyists, submitting bills and removing bills that were not in the best interest of Iowans. As a small business owner, I bring experience to the legislature. I know the challenges of running a business. I feel listening more than talking is a good quality of a representative.

    Staffing shortages continue to impact businesses in Iowa, big and small. How can the state continue to address this? We lowered the income tax for all Iowans. That will drive more economic growth for people to come to Iowa. We also increased quality, affordable childcare to get more people back into the workforce.

   Where do you stand on funding education for public schools? Great schools are essential for strong communities and thriving economies. In our part of the state, we have good teachers and good schools. I will continue to support students, teachers, and parents. I believe parents should have a choice in their children’s education and deserve to know what is being taught in the classroom.

   The education budget receives 58 percent of the total budget. Since 2012, education has been fully funded, with an increase every year. K-12 education funding has increased by almost a billion new dollars over the last 10 years. This year, the Supplemental State Aid (SSA) budget was increased by 2.5 percent. This equates to $159 million in new money for K-12 public schools. The state cost per pupil amount increases from $7,234 to $7,412 per student, and $178 increase per student, and that doesn’t include federal funding.

   What are some additional issues Iowans face in the upcoming legislative session? Property taxes, inflation, high cost of medication.

   Additional comments: I am proud of the vote to cut taxes for all Iowans to a fair and flat rate of 3.9 percent. This puts Iowa at the fourth lowest income tax rate in the country. Republicans also made your retirement income in Iowa tax free. Additional income exemption options for retired farmers HF 2317. For many farmers, their retirement is in the land they own. This bill creates an income exemption on money made by retired farmers from renting their land or from selling their property. Iowans are realistic about the dangers of Big Government, overspending, busting the budget, and raising taxes. These are the values I vote for… lead on… every day as your state representative.