Miller-Meeks: First Responders Deserve to Keep More of Their Hard-Earned Pay

First responders across Iowa—including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and healthcare professionals—often work long hours, nights, and weekends to keep their communities safe. The new tax relief ensures that when workers take on additional shifts, they are able to keep more of their overtime pay.

More than 60 percent of American workers are eligible for overtime, and roughly 20 million regularly work extra hours. The reform also applies retroactively to overtime worked in 2025. Nearly 4.8 million veterans are employed in overtime-eligible jobs, including approximately 1.4 million who regularly work overtime.

Rep. Miller-Meeks issued the following statement:

“First responders and essential workers sacrifice nights, weekends, and precious time with their families to keep our communities safe. Their jobs are demanding enough without Washington taking more from their paychecks.

“For many first responders, overtime isn’t optional, it’s essential. Officers cover extra shifts, firefighters respond to late-night calls, and healthcare professionals step in when staffing runs short. Those extra hours shouldn’t come with a bigger tax bill.

“Reducing taxes on overtime pay helps ensure that when workers step up to serve their communities, they are able to keep more of what they earn. I will always fight to make sure the men and women who protect and serve our communities are treated with the respect—and the paycheck—they deserve.”

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