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Sand Proposes Raising Minimum Wage, Expanding Farm Income Streams
Sand’s 15-point plan would raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour and create a rural housing task force and Office of Rural Prosperity.
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand proposed a 15-point economic agenda in Des Moines, featuring a plan to phase in a $12 minimum wage.
Iowa's $7.25 minimum wage has remained unchanged for 18 years, prompting Sand to suggest adopting an Ohio-style program providing technical assistance to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
To support rural development, Sand envisions an Office of Rural Prosperity acting as a "one-stop shop" for residents, while establishing a task force to investigate affordable housing options including ADUs.
Sand criticized the $300 million in taxpayer funds allocated to private schools, arguing for stricter accountability and income limits to prevent tuition increases of $7,500 per student.
Ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Sand criticized Republican opponent Zach Lahn's residency, vowing to work for the "everyday person" rather than party interests.