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Quick Facts
Personal Details

John H. Wills is a Republican member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing District 1. He was first elected to the chamber in 2014.

Wills' professional experience includes serving as the vice president of the Okoboji Protective Association and working in the water quality and conservation industry. He also serves in the National Guard and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Education

  • Associate's, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Masters, Environmental Policy and Management, American Military University, 2009-2013, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Masters, Political Science and Government, American Public University System, 2007, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Calvary Scout Reclassification, 1990
  • BS, Biology, Northwestern College, 1987-1989
  • Associates, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College, 1985-1987
  • Primary Leadership Development Course, 1986
  • Infantry Basic and Advanced Training, 1984

Professional Experience

  • Associate's, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Masters, Environmental Policy and Management, American Military University, 2009-2013, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Masters, Political Science and Government, American Public University System, 2007, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Calvary Scout Reclassification, 1990
  • BS, Biology, Northwestern College, 1987-1989
  • Associates, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College, 1985-1987
  • Primary Leadership Development Course, 1986
  • Infantry Basic and Advanced Training, 1984
  • Vice President, Okoboji Protective Association, 2013-present
  • Environmental Coordinator, Dickinson Soil and Water Conservation District, 2008-present
  • First Sergeant, United States Army, 1983-2015
  • Teacher, Alpha Omgea Academy, 2006-2008
  • Environmental Coordinator, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, 1993-1999

Political Experience

  • Associate's, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Masters, Environmental Policy and Management, American Military University, 2009-2013, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Masters, Political Science and Government, American Public University System, 2007, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Calvary Scout Reclassification, 1990
  • BS, Biology, Northwestern College, 1987-1989
  • Associates, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College, 1985-1987
  • Primary Leadership Development Course, 1986
  • Infantry Basic and Advanced Training, 1984
  • Vice President, Okoboji Protective Association, 2013-present
  • Environmental Coordinator, Dickinson Soil and Water Conservation District, 2008-present
  • First Sergeant, United States Army, 1983-2015
  • Teacher, Alpha Omgea Academy, 2006-2008
  • Environmental Coordinator, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, 1993-1999
  • Speaker Pro Tempore, Iowa State House of Representatives, 2020-present
  • Representative, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 1, 2014-present
  • Former Majority Whip, Iowa State House of Representatives
  • Candidate, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 1, 2018
  • Assistant Majority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives, 2015-2018

Former Committees/Caucuses

Former Member, Environmental Protection Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Natural Resources Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, State Government Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources (Joint Appropriations), Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Transportation Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Human Resources Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives, 2015-2016

Current Legislative Committees

Member, Administration and Rules Committee

Member, Agriculture Committee

Member, Appropriations Committee

Member, Commerce Committee

Chair, Joint Committee on Administration

Member, Joint Committee on Studies

Member, Legislative Council

Member, Veterans Affairs Committee

Religious, Civic, and other Memberships

  • Associate's, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Masters, Environmental Policy and Management, American Military University, 2009-2013, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Masters, Political Science and Government, American Public University System, 2007, Grade Point Average of 3.9
  • Calvary Scout Reclassification, 1990
  • BS, Biology, Northwestern College, 1987-1989
  • Associates, Environmental Studies, Iowa Lakes Community College, 1985-1987
  • Primary Leadership Development Course, 1986
  • Infantry Basic and Advanced Training, 1984
  • Vice President, Okoboji Protective Association, 2013-present
  • Environmental Coordinator, Dickinson Soil and Water Conservation District, 2008-present
  • First Sergeant, United States Army, 1983-2015
  • Teacher, Alpha Omgea Academy, 2006-2008
  • Environmental Coordinator, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, 1993-1999
  • Speaker Pro Tempore, Iowa State House of Representatives, 2020-present
  • Representative, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 1, 2014-present
  • Former Majority Whip, Iowa State House of Representatives
  • Candidate, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 1, 2018
  • Assistant Majority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives, 2015-2018
  • Member, Friends of Lakeside Lab, 2013-present
  • Adjutant, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2012-present
  • Founding Member, Pheasants Forever, Osceola County, 2007-present
  • Member, Family Development and Self-Sufficiency Council, present
  • Member, State Pheasants Forever Council, present
  • Member, Watershed Planning Advisory Council, present
  • State Chair, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
  • Member, Boway Institue of Legislative Learning (BILLD)
  • Volunteer, Clean Water Alliance
  • Member, Council of State Governments (CSG) National Executive Committee
  • Volunteer, Great Lakes Watershed Project
  • Board Member, Legislative Leaders Foundation

Other Info

— Awards:

  • Ace Cory Environmental Award, 2013
  • Bronze Star Medal, 2011
  • Meritorious Unit Award
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
  • Overseas Ribbon
  • Expert Marksmanship

Ace Cory Environmental Award, 2013

Hobbies or Special Talents:

Hunting, fishing, hiking, landscaping, and boating.

Priority Issues:

With your help, I will:

  • ◾Work to cut through red tape and reduce burdens for small business so they can grow
  • ◾Support agriculture and the jobs it provides in our communities
  • ◾Protect the family budget not spending more than the state takes in
  • ◾Defend family values and protect the unborn.
  • — Publications:

    • Iowa Great Lakes Wateshed Implementation Plan: The Path to Clean Water

    Spouse's Occupation:

    Accountant for a home remodeling business

    Policy Positions

    Iowa State Legislative Election 2016 Political Courage Test

    Abortion & Reproductive

    1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
    - Pro-life

    2. Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy?
    - Yes

    3. Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
    - No

    4. Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
    - Yes

    5. Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?
    - Yes

    6. Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor?
    - Yes

    7. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for abortion procedures?
    - Yes

    8. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
    - Yes

    9. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Budget, Spending, & Tax

    Budget Stabilization:

    Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Iowa's budget.

    1. Tapping into Iowa's "rainy day" fund
    - No

    2. Decreasing funding for public universities
    - Yes

    3. Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions
    - Yes

    4. Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees
    - Yes

    5. Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
    - Yes

    6. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    State Spending:

    Indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.

    1. Education (higher)
    - Slightly Decrease

    2. Education (K-12)
    - Maintain Status

    3. Environment
    - Maintain Status

    4. Health care
    - Maintain Status

    5. Law enforcement/corrections
    - Slightly Increase

    6. Transportation/infrastructure
    - Slightly Increase

    7. Welfare
    - Slightly Decrease

    8. Other or expanded categories
    - No Answer

    State Taxes:

    Indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.

    1. Alcohol taxes
    - Maintain Status

    2. Cigarette taxes
    - Slightly Increase

    3. Corporate taxes
    - Greatly Decrease

    4. Small business taxes
    - Greatly Decrease

    5. Gas/Oil taxes
    - Maintain Status

    6. Property taxes
    - Slightly Decrease

    7. Sales taxes
    - Slightly Decrease

    8. Income taxes (low-income families)
    - Slightly Decrease

    9. Income taxes (mid-income families)
    - Slightly Decrease

    10. Income taxes (high-income families)
    - Slightly Decrease

    11. Do you support applying sales taxes to all online purchases?
    - Yes

    12. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Campaign Finance & Government Reform

    Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates?

    1. Individual
    - No

    2. Political Action Committee
    - No

    3. Corporate
    - Yes

    4. Political Party
    - No

    5. Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
    - Yes

    6. Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
    - Yes

    7. Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
    - Yes

    8. Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
    - Yes

    9. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Crime & Public Safety

    1. Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
    - No

    2. Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
    - Yes

    3. Do you support legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
    - No

    4. Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
    - Yes

    5. Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
    - Yes

    6. Do you support delaying the seizure of assets by law enforcement officials until after a conviction?
    - Yes

    7. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Economic

    1. Do you support government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
    - No

    2. Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
    - Yes

    3. Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
    - Yes

    4. Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
    - Yes

    5. Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
    - No

    6. Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
    - Yes

    7. Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
    - No

    8. Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
    - No

    9. Do you support an increase of the minimum wage?
    - No

    10. Should employers be able to ask about applicants' criminal history before interviewing them?
    - Yes

    11. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Education

    1. Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?
    - No

    2. Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?
    - Yes

    3. Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers?
    - No

    4. Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?
    - Yes

    5. Do you support state funding for charter schools?
    - Yes

    6. Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
    - Yes

    7. Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Iowa high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
    - No

    8. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Environment & Energy

    1. Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
    - No

    2. Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
    - No

    3. Do you support state funding for improvements to Iowa's energy infrastructure?
    - Yes

    4. Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
    - Yes

    5. Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
    - No

    6. Do you support increased regulations of the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?
    - No

    7. Do you support passing additional regulations on the agricultural industry in order to reduce water pollution?
    - No

    8. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Gun

    1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
    - No

    2. Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
    - No

    3. Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
    - Yes

    4. Should a license be required for gun possession?
    - No

    5. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Health

    1. Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
    - No

    2. Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
    - No

    3. Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
    - Yes

    4. Do you support Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
    - No

    5. Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
    - No

    6. Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
    - Yes

    7. Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
    - No

    8. Do you support allowing terminally ill patients to utilize experimental treatments that have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration?
    - Yes

    9. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Social

    1. Do you support same-sex marriage?
    - No

    2. Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Iowa's anti-discrimination laws?
    - No

    3. Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Iowa's anti-discrimination laws?
    - No

    4. Do you support legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Iowa?
    - No

    5. Other or expanded principles
    - No Answer

    Legislative Priorities

    In the following area, please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
    - No Answer