West Des Moines resident Fred Maharry is taking his concerns about Amendment 1 to the streets, placing yard signs in every county of Iowa ahead of the November election. Maharry, a longtime Iowan, says the proposed constitutional amendment would give a two‑thirds supermajority of state legislators the power to raise income taxes, a change he believes would ultimately hurt lower‑income families.
What Amendment 1 proposes
Amendment 1 would amend the Iowa Constitution to require a two‑thirds vote in the Iowa House and Senate before any increase to the state income tax could be enacted. Currently, a simple majority is sufficient. Proponents argue the amendment protects Iowans from unchecked tax hikes, claiming it will keep more of a paycheck in the hands of workers.
Maharry’s concerns
Maharry says the measure “sounds good” on its surface, but it would concentrate too much power in the hands of a few lawmakers and restrict the state’s ability to fund essential services. “We need money for public safety, public education, clean water, decent roads and bridges,” he told KCCI. “It takes money to do all those things.”
He warns that if the amendment passes, officials may be forced to seek revenue from other sources, such as sales taxes, property taxes or additional fees, which would disproportionately affect working‑class Iowans. Maharry also argues the amendment would lock in large income‑tax breaks for the biggest corporations and the wealthiest residents, leaving everyday Iowans to shoulder a larger share of the tax burden.
Grassroots response
To spread his message, Maharry and a group of like‑minded citizens have produced yard signs that are now available in all 99 Iowa counties, even appearing on barns in rural areas. The signs read “Vote No on Amendment 1” and are being distributed free of charge to anyone who wants to display them.
Maharry says the effort is about giving Iowans a clear visual reminder of the potential consequences of the amendment as they head to the polls. “Everyone wants to see their taxes go down, but we can’t sacrifice the services that keep our families safe and our communities thriving,” he said.
What supporters say
Supporters of Amendment 1 argue that requiring a supermajority will prevent future legislators from raising taxes without broad consensus, thereby protecting taxpayers from sudden fiscal pressure. They contend that the amendment simply ensures that any tax increase reflects a true majority of Iowans, not just a slim legislative margin.
Where the debate stands
The amendment will appear on the ballot in the upcoming November election, giving every registered voter a direct voice on the issue. As the campaign intensifies, both sides are mobilizing volunteers, distributing literature, and holding town‑hall meetings across the state.
Maharry urges voters to consider the long‑term impact on public services and to remember that a well‑funded government is essential for safe neighborhoods, quality schools, clean water and reliable infrastructure. “We can’t afford to lock in tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of the everyday Iowan,” he said.
For more information on how to vote and where to find the yard signs, Iowans can visit the campaign’s website or contact Maharry’s volunteer team directly.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
