The final report of recommendations from the Iowa DOGE Task Force was released today following a press conference with Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Iowa DOGE is a statewide task force charged with improving government efficiency and maximizing taxpayers’ return on investments, according to the report. 

The task force was appointed in February and was given 180 days to brainstorm, consult experts and develop recommendations for efficiencies in the areas of workforce, technology and return on taxpayer investment. The task force held its final meeting on Sept. 15, where members shared some of the recommendations up for consideration and submitted its final report to Reynolds on Sept. 29. 

Reynolds has reviewed some of the report’s recommendations. Over the coming months, she plans to review recommendations in detail with her cabinet members for potential implementation.

“Alignment has given us a clear line of sight into all areas of state government and reinforced the importance of continuously evaluating and improving our operations. … Our goal will be to build on the success of alignment, leverage ongoing progress across agencies and identify new areas for further improvement,” Reynolds said at the press conference.

During one of its meetings, the idea of making changes to IPERS, the state’s largest public pension system, came up as a suggestion, which raised concern about pay and benefits for public employees. Reynolds addressed those concerns at today’s press conference.

“You can rest assured that IPERS will be there for your retirement, just as you’ve planned and we’ve promised. You have my word, and it was the intent of the task force from the beginning,” Reynolds said. 

To create the report, the task force engaged with several state agencies, convened stakeholder focus groups and received input from more than 5,000 Iowans representing all 99 counties.

“Creating a government ecosystem that reduces administration and increases collaboration allows every Iowan a better serviced state and outcomes that can evolve and adapt,” Iowa DOGE Task Force Chair Emily Schmitt stated. “These factors not only contribute to effective government, but also overall economic development, community vibrancy and business growth.”