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.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, April 6, 2009
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.
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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Friday, April 3, 2009
Recent Events
Today, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower courts ruling recognizing gay marriage in the state.
Here is Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley's statement regarding the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage:
“The decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court today to allow gay marriage in Iowa is disappointing on many levels. I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state. Though the court has made their decision, I believe every Iowan should have a voice on this matter and that is why the Iowa Legislature should immediately act to pass a Constitutional Amendment that protects traditional marriage, keeps it as a sacred bond only between one man and one woman and gives every Iowan a chance to have their say through a vote of the people.”
On another note.............
Here is Senator Randy Feenstra (Hull) expressing his disgust over the coupling bill and the Senate's spending practices:
Here is Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley's statement regarding the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage:
“The decision made by the Iowa Supreme Court today to allow gay marriage in Iowa is disappointing on many levels. I believe marriage should only be between one man and one woman and I am confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be legally recognized in this state. Though the court has made their decision, I believe every Iowan should have a voice on this matter and that is why the Iowa Legislature should immediately act to pass a Constitutional Amendment that protects traditional marriage, keeps it as a sacred bond only between one man and one woman and gives every Iowan a chance to have their say through a vote of the people.”
On another note.............
Here is Senator Randy Feenstra (Hull) expressing his disgust over the coupling bill and the Senate's spending practices:
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Taxpayers Kicked Out of Capitol
Last night's House of Representatives public hearing on possibly eliminating federal deductibility was a great show in solidarity for the Iowa taxpayer. We're estimating that roughly 600 people showed up and apparently things got animated. We're not talking slanderous outbursts, but the occasional applause and some 'boos' were heard after speakers stated their views. Well, it was enough for the House Speaker to get upset, flex his political power muscle and kick everyone out of the House Gallery. After state troopers forced the audience to leave the hearing went on and all scheduled speakers were able to talk.
But c'mon, House Democrats can't handle a little applause from an animated crowd? I'm sure they hear much worse at their political forums - at least that's what we guess from the pile of bad bills they bring up over there. Last night's public hearing wasn't legislative procedure. It was public and open - there's no specific decorum for that so the fact that everyone was unnecessarily kicked out of the House Gallery really stings. I'm sure taxpayers will get their revenge on election day.
Here's what Senator David Johnson had to say about it this morning:
But c'mon, House Democrats can't handle a little applause from an animated crowd? I'm sure they hear much worse at their political forums - at least that's what we guess from the pile of bad bills they bring up over there. Last night's public hearing wasn't legislative procedure. It was public and open - there's no specific decorum for that so the fact that everyone was unnecessarily kicked out of the House Gallery really stings. I'm sure taxpayers will get their revenge on election day.
Here's what Senator David Johnson had to say about it this morning:
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