Iowa Governor Defends Use of State Plane for Travel

Reynolds says plane is primarily used by state patrol, not for personal use

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is defending her use of a state-funded plane for official business travel, saying the aircraft is primarily used by the Iowa State Patrol for aerial searches and investigations. Reynolds argues that using the plane allows her to be more efficient in traveling the state for her duties, though critics have accused her of using it for political purposes.

Why it matters

The use of state resources for government officials' travel has long been a point of contention, with concerns about transparency, accountability, and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds. This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between government efficiency and responsible stewardship of public resources.

The details

The state of Iowa purchased a plane in 2024 using $4.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds for the Iowa State Patrol. Reynolds says she uses multiple state planes and that her flights account for only 3% of the trips taken on the plane purchased in 2024. She argues the aircraft is primarily used by the state patrol for aerial searches and investigations. Reynolds says the time constraints of her schedule make it difficult to travel the state by other means, and that using the plane allows her to be more productive. However, state Democrats have criticized the governor's use of the plane, accusing her of using it for political purposes.

  • The state purchased a plane in 2024 using $4.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
  • Reynolds says her flights account for 3% of the trips taken on the plane purchased in 2024.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The current Governor of Iowa, who is defending her use of a state-funded plane for official travel.

Brian Meyer

The state House Minority Leader, who has criticized Reynolds' use of the plane and called for it to be sold.

Stephen Baynes

The Commissioner of Public Safety in Iowa, who recommended the funding be used on a new plane for the Department of Public Safety.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel bad about doing it. It's how I get out and get into the state and actually accomplish more, as well as doing my job here. So, I can work all morning sometimes and have back-to-back meetings and then get to an event in northwest Iowa if it's on the schedule.”

— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa (1011now.com)

“It is outrageous that she is using that airplane for political purposes. And again, we will be offering the opportunity for the Republicans to do the right thing to get rid of the airplane and we will have a proposal to use that money after we get rid of that airplane, use the money from the sale to boost up unemployment benefits for people that have their jobs shipped overseas.”

— Brian Meyer, State House Minority Leader (1011now.com)

What’s next

The state legislature may consider proposals to sell the plane and redirect the funds to other state programs, though Reynolds has defended her use of the aircraft for official business.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of government resources, with concerns about transparency, accountability, and the balance between efficiency and responsible stewardship of public funds. The governor's defense of her plane usage and the opposition's calls for its sale demonstrate the political tensions surrounding this issue.