At just 29 years old, Iowa State Representative Taylor Collins has already built a résumé that rivals most political veterans—farm manager, small business owner, former advisor to Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, and now chair of the House Higher Education Committee.
In this candid and wide-ranging interview, Rep. Collins joins me to discuss the most pressing battles facing Iowa—starting with his bold efforts to dismantle taxpayer-funded DEI programs in public and private colleges. From the inside story on HF 856 and HSB 60 to the behind-the-scenes negotiations on gender ideology, curriculum reform, and tuition relief, this episode takes you deep into the front lines of Iowa’s conservative policy movement.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Taylor Collins: A Rising Star in Iowa Politics
06:00 Education and Experiences in Higher Education
11:57 Legislative Efforts and DEI Legislation
15:41 Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections
19:29 Legislative Achievements and Key Issues
20:49 Compassionate Approaches to Gender Identity Legislation
22:14 The Disconnect in Political Ideologies
23:59 The Future of the Democratic Party in Iowa
25:10 The Role of County Supervisors in Property Tax Management
27:12 Collaboration in Local Government
29:58 Efficiency in Local Government Services
30:56 Property Tax Challenges and Legislative Solutions
33:37 Innovative Ideas for Property Tax Management
34:42 The Impact of Inflation on Property Taxes
37:08 Addressing Senior Property Tax Burdens
39:22 Public vs. Private School Funding Disparities
40:22 Challenges Facing Iowa Farmers
43:22 The Veto of the Property Rights Bill
46:02 Governor Reynolds' Decision Not to Run Again
47:30 Future Legislative Goals in Higher Education
48:02 Governance Reform in Education
49:51 Challenges of Indoctrination in Education
50:58 The Backlash Against Social Justice
51:41 Terminology and Its Impact on Discourse
52:38 Messaging and Legislative Challenges
54:05 Trade Deals and National Security
56:09 Immigration and Criminal Justice
58:30 The Dilemma of Amnesty and Immigration Reform
01:00:05 The Call to Service in Politics
🔻 Whether you're a policy nerd, grassroots activist, or simply an Iowan who cares about truth and freedom—this episode will inform, inspire, and fire you up.
🎧 Listen now and share with a friend who’s ready to stand up for Iowa.
📩 Support the podcast or get involved at oliverbardwell.com
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