As the new year begins, I feel excited and energized by the challenges and opportunities that 2025 brings. As the legislature gets ready to begin session on January 13, I am thankful that the voters of Iowa House District 51 have put their trust in me to be their next representative in Des Moines. Over the last year, I was able to meet thousands of voters across the district, and one strong theme emerged: voters are looking for a responsive and cost-effective state government.

My background and experience prepare me to jump in and get to work on day one. My committee assignments align well with my personal and professional backgrounds. I look forward to serving on several key committees: Health and Human Services (as vice chair), Commerce, Economic Growth and Technology, Natural Resources, and the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee. These committees have a tremendous impact on our state’s vibrant economy and the health care provided to Iowans.

Since the election, I have continued to visit with many of you around the district. I’ve especially enjoyed my visits with key service providers like Mid-Iowa Community Action and REM Iowa. Additionally, we’ve had the opportunity to hold community forums on core issues like education, agriculture, and economic development. Hearing from local voters about your priorities will help me be more prepared to work on your behalf at the state capitol.

As an adoptive parent, pharmacist, and long-time local elected official, I look forward to using my voice to ensure good policy outcomes for foster care and adoption, health care, and property tax reform. On these and all other issues, I will continue to listen and learn. I am committed to working with my new colleagues on a bipartisan basis to do the work that the voters elected us to do. It is the greatest honor to represent Story and Marshall Counties in the legislature. Please reach out to me with your concerns about the 2025 legislative session.

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Brett Barker, a Republican from Nevada, is the Representative Elect for Iowa House District 51, which covers most of Marshall County outside of Marshalltown and most of Story County outside of Ames.