RSSWhich tax incentives do the most to help create jobs and grow the economy? Iowa is a national leader when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of state tax incentives, according to a Pew Center study of all 50 states. During the 2010 session, the Legislature created a “Legislative Tax Expenditure Committee.” Composed of Democratic [...]
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I welcome Governor Branstad’s rhetorical focus on job training, but Iowa businesses need now more than rhetoric. In contrast to what the Governor is saying, his proposed budget actually spends less to address this critical economic issue than either the House or the Senate.
Read the full story >>Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City discusses how Iowa’s current tax structure places a heavy burden on Iowa families working hard to make ends meet. Currently Iowa citizens must begin paying state income tax at $19,000, making Iowa the 6th worst state in the nation when it comes to taxing low income, working people. The [...]
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We support making it easier for you to renew your Iowa driver’s license and other identification cards. Typically, renewing your licenses and IDs requires a trip to a driver’s license station every five years. Senate File 2299, approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, would reduce in-person renewal to once every 10 years. That’s more convenient [...]
Read the full story >>(VIDEO) On April 19, the Iowa Senate discussed climate change and its effect on Iowa.
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As the 2012 session begins to wrap up, the biggest remaining differences between the Iowa Senate and House involve investments in education. This includes proposals to improve early reading skills, reduce Iowa’s shortage of skilled workers and ensure college is affordable for Iowa families. Last year, the longest session in recent memory, ended relatively quickly [...]
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In Iowa, we respect our elders, care about our neighbors and take action when children are at risk. The Senate put those Iowa values into practice when we approved the Health and Human Services budget. Here are some of the highlights of the Senate budget in Senate File 2336: ** Helping seniors live as independently [...]
Read the full story >>Through May 21, the state is seeking your input on its new water quality plan, which is the result of collaboration among local, state and federal government organizations, universities and other groups. The plan, developed over 15 months, looks at the current state of water quality in Iowa and outlines ideas for improvement. Highlights include [...]
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April is “National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.” Distracted driving kills around 6,000 people and injures many more each year. The biggest distractions are texting and talking on cell phones. The National Safety Council reports that one in four car crashes is caused by cell phone use. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes [...]
Read the full story >>On April 12 the Senate passed the Health and Human Services budget which allows seniors to stay in their home and protects at-risk kids in Iowa.
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