Opinion

Governor’s Tax Reform – Tax Year 2018 Changes

     Last week the Governor’s tax reform bill (House Study Bill 671) was assigned to a House Ways and Means subcommittee. The bill is lengthy and contains changes and reforms spanning multiple tax and fiscal years. It is probably easiest to take the reforms tax year by tax year—focusing this week on tax year 2018 which you will be filing a return for in April 2019.

     Iowa Working Families Tax Relief Act is the big news last week from the statehouse. This is a bold initiative that will enact the largest tax cut in Iowa history. It provides more than $1 billion a year in overall tax relief and reduces, on average, your taxes by nearly $1,000 per year.

     Once again the highlight of the week is the interaction with Iowa students. I had visitors this week from across District 48 from several high school students: West Delaware, Monticello, Maquoketa Valley, Ed-Co, Anamosa and Cedar Rapids Washington.

     Wednesday’s (Feb. 14) high school shooting in Parkland, Fla., is every parent’s and educator’s worst nightmare. My heart goes out to the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the staff, their families and all those affected by this horrific event. We owe it to them to offer more than our thoughts, prayers or divisive politics. Every state can and should take active measures to prevent tragedies like this.

     My mother taught in country schools and was dead-set against me attending one. She had been barely older than her students, was out in the country with a group of children, had no phone, no car, and limited access if there had been any type of emergency.