Iowa Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, announced today that he is running for re-election this November. He currently is serving his first term representing House District 38 which includes southeast and parts of northeast Cedar Rapids. Tyler serves on the Commerce, Economic Growth, Environmental Protection, Ethics, Human Resources, and Ways & Means committees, and also serves as chairman of the Commerce Health Systems subcommittee.

"Two years ago the people of House District 38 elected me to lead the discussion in Des Moines to address issues important to them," said Olson. "I did exactly that, taking a leadership role in expanding access to quality and affordable health care, creating smoke-free public places, growing Iowa’s economy and jobs, and increasing the availability of affordable housing."

Olson also cited raising the minimum wage, making health insurance available to 17,000 Iowans and all kids within three years, expanding voluntary preschool access, and keeping post-secondary education tuition increases the lowest in decades as legislative successes. Tyler was honored to receive the 2008 Lincoln Excellence in Governing Award from Bethel AME Church.

"We accomplished much while approving a fiscally-responsible, balanced budget," Olson said. "Iowa’s rainy day funds are at their highest level in history, we made the largest-ever payments to the Senior Living Trust Fund, and over 500,000 Iowans saw lower taxes or bigger refunds this year than last."

Last year Olson was appointed by the Speaker of the House to the Legislative Property Tax Study Committee and took a leadership role in the legislature’s effort to reform Iowa’s property tax system. This year he introduced innovative legislation that would significantly decrease property taxes, control the long-term cost of government, and increase local budget accountability.

"Reforming Iowa’s decades-old property tax system is a priority," he said. "The current system causes higher than average rates and hurts small businesses in particular. I plan to continue leading the effort toward a comprehensive solution."

He is a sixth generation Iowan and was born, raised, and has spent nearly his entire life living in House District 38. He is a graduate of Cedar Rapids Washington High School, Claremont McKenna College and the University of Iowa College of Law. Olson and his wife Sarah have a two month old son, Leo. Olson is also an attorney with Bradley & Riley PC.

Olson is a member of the Cedar Rapids Rotary and First Presbyterian Church. He served on the board of directors of the Neighborhood Revitalization Service and chaired the Downtown District Creative Counsel’s Housing Team. He has also volunteered his time at Washington High School and Mt. Mercy College.

Olson will kickoff his re-election campaign with a reception at the Cherry Building -- 329 10th Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids -- on Wednesday, June 11. The event will run from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. All are welcome, and more information is available at www.tylerolson.org.