Iowa Governor Emphasizes Healthcare, Disaster Recovery

In her 2025 Condition of the State Address, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds emphasized the urgent need for disaster recovery following devastating floods and tornadoes in 2024, while also addressing workforce shortages in healthcare and childcare. She highlighted Iowa's previous achievements, including high healthcare rankings, but noted the state's low physician-to-patient ratio and an anticipated national physician shortage. Reynolds proposed expanding medical residencies and increasing funding for student loan repayment programs to attract healthcare professionals to rural Iowa. Additionally, she called for $13.6 million in disaster aid to support recovery efforts and highlighted the inspiring community response after the natural disasters. This address marks her eighth as governor and her first to a Legislature with Republican supermajorities after recent elections. Reynolds expressed gratitude for the volunteer efforts seen during the recovery process and outlined plans for legislative support to aid affected communities.