ITR Foundation Poll shows strong support for cutting taxes and school choice

The inaugural ITR Foundation Poll conducted in partnership with Cygnal reveals 54 percent of Iowans think the state is headed in the right direction. However, they are pessimistic about their personal economic outlook and say their income and property taxes are too high.

ITR Foundation (formerly TEF Iowa) works to increase freedom and opportunity for all Iowans by promoting a pro-growth tax code, a friendly business climate, and an education system that prepares responsible leaders and citizens for the workforce.

ITR Foundation Deputy Director Walt Rogers said, “The ITR Foundation Poll will survey Iowans multiple times a year. The data collected will be used to understand statewide public opinion about elected officials and issues that impact the daily lives of Iowans. This poll will help focus our effort to develop policy solutions for those issues.”

58 percent of Iowa voters disapprove of President Joe Biden’s performance in office. Nine months after taking office, Biden’s approval rating is just 40 percent. If the 2024 presidential election were held today with Donald Trump and Joe Biden as the candidates, Trump would soundly defeat Biden in Iowa 54.1 percent to 40.5 percent.

President Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending plan fares even worse. Almost 60 percent of Iowans oppose the plan, while only 34 percent support it.

The poll shows good news for Governor Kim Reynolds and Senator Chuck Grassley. The governor receives strong marks, with 57 percent of Iowans holding a favorable impression of her and 53 percent saying she deserves re-election next year. Senator Grassley has a 53 percent favorability rating, and the senator would easily defeat Abby Finkenaur 55.2 percent to 38.6 percent if the election were held today.

An overwhelming majority, 63.4 percent, of Iowans say their property taxes are too high. Iowans are united in their opinion of what the state should do with its $1.24 billion surplus: nearly six of 10 Iowans think the surplus should be used to lower how much they pay in taxes.

Almost 57 percent of Iowans would support a plan to allow parents to spend their child’s share of state educational funding at the public or private school of their choice.

Rogers added, “Broadly speaking, nearly two out of three Iowans want lower taxes and more school choice. Those two issues will garner attention at the Capitol next year.”

Partial ITR Foundation Poll results will be released Friday morning, October 22, followed by a complete release at noon, Saturday, October 23.

Download ITR Foundation Poll

Methodology: This probabilistic survey was conducted October 18 – 19, 2021, by Cygnal, a nationally-recognized, award-winning public opinion firm. It surveyed 600 likely 2022 general election voters and has a margin of error of ±4.0%. Known registered voters were interviewed via IVR, SMS, and email invitation. This survey was weighted to a likely 2022 general election voter universe.