The Business of the People

Iowans for Tax Relief once again rallied the troops today and had supporters of federal deductibility show up at the Capitol. No movement on the issue on the Senate side today so we're wondering if it will even be brought up. It doesn't look like the votes are there to pass it.

A bill that did pass today grants tax credits for movie stars and movie makers who make films or TV shows in Iowa. It's a great economic incentive to bring that type of business to the state, but not long ago, the Senate failed to pass tax credits for teachers who buy classroom supplies for their students. Something about that doesn't seem quite right.

The Senate also voted on a Governor appointed nominee (Sharon Elderkin) to the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission. The nominee didn't get enough votes to pass. Just so you know, the nominee is a registered Republican. Republicans voted against her due to her lack of knowledge on important commission matters. This is a truly important commission in the state and not being able to understand things like particulate matter and how run-off occurs is a deal breaker.

Let the Countdown Begin

Word around the Capitol is that this is the last week of the 2009 Legislative session. Realistically, it won't happen this week. There are just too many bills to get through. Today debate is taking place on drainage districts, fee increases for nursing homes and creating new community programs in Iowa that have a 'green' affect. The Senate is waiting to get bills from the House, including any bills that are bounce backs having first passed the Senate, then gone to the House are are back in the Senate. The Governor's bonding bill hasn't been seen either. So much for the Democrat's April 2nd deadline.

Spend Now, Pay Later

As we’re in the last days of the 2009 legislative session, Democrats in the Iowa Senate continued their tax and spend practices yesterday by approving another bonding plan and voting against relieving Iowans’ tax burden.

The first bill that passed yesterday allows the University of Iowa to bond for $100 million in an effort to rebuild art museum facilities that were damaged by last summer’s floods. The debt incurred for this bonding plan would more than double at a total of $216.9 million over it’s lifespan, ending in 2040.

Democrats also voted against an amendment that would lessen the tax burden many Iowans face by allowing coupling to be an option in filing state taxes. Iowa tax code is updated yearly based upon the federal tax code. Allowing Iowans to couple their taxes lessens their tax burden.

These out of control spending practices will burden our children and grandchildren and creates a ripple effect of problems for our future.

Most recently, news on the federal deductibility issue is that Democrats have come together to work out a new plan, but don’t be fooled by the spin on this issue. Eliminating federal deductibility is still a tax on a tax for most Iowans. We're expecting debate on the issue next week.

Nothing is Ever Dead at the Capitol

A common saying around the Capitol is that nothing is ever dead here. SO very true as the elimination of federal deductibility seems to be rearing it's ugly head this week. http://tinyurl.com/cy77fv. It looks like Democrats have agreed on a tax plan. That means Iowa taxes are set for a $190 million increase in 2 years.

It is not to late call your State Rep and State Senator http://tinyurl.com/27mzfv. Let them know what you think about the issue.

Release on Marriage Amendment From Today

Senator Mike Gronstal Obstructs Vote of the
People of Iowa on Marriage Amendment
Sen. McKinley: “We have had the Legislature and the governor decide in favor of traditional marriage and we have now had seven judges in black robes decide the opposite way and I believe the final arbiters of this important decision should be the people of Iowa”

DES MOINES, IA – Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) today formally asked Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) on the floor of the Iowa Senate why he is obstructing a vote of the people of Iowa on an amendment to the Iowa Constitution that would define marriage as between one man and one woman.

When Iowa’s Defense of Marriage Act overwhelmingly passed the Iowa Senate in 1998, Senator Gronstal voted in support of traditional marriage. Today, he is the only person in the Iowa Senate standing in the way of allowing three million people a chance to have their vote.

“We have had the Legislature and the governor decide in favor of traditional marriage and we have now had seven judges in black robes come down in another way and I believe the final arbiters of this important issue should be the people of Iowa,” said McKinley. “Iowa is a sovereign state and I will accept the will of the people but we will not know the will of the people until a vote of the people is taken and it is wrong for Sen. Gronstal to obstruct that vote.”

McKinley said he believes that if Senate Majority Leader Gronstal were to allow a vote in the Iowa Senate, there would be 26 votes to pass it and therefore start the process of amending Iowa’s Constitution.

You may contact Senator Gronstal at mike.gronstal@legis.state.ia.us or by phone at 515-281-4610.

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