From the ground up

By: 
Dan Zumbach
Iowa State Senator, 48th Dist.

     Iowa Working Families Tax Relief Act is one step closer to reality with passage in the Senate this week. The bill now heads to the House for their consideration.

     The Tax Relief Act provides more than $1 BILLION a year in overall tax relief.

     This Tax Relief Act will enact the largest tax cut in Iowa history. It completely rewrites Iowa’s complex tax code and sets competitive tax rates that will drive Iowa’s economic growth initiatives.

     It reduces, on average, your state taxes by letting you keep more of your money in your pocket. It cuts the overall individual income tax rates by 30 percent. This puts Iowa families before corporate and special interests.

     Another benefit of the Act is the simplification of tax forms and the coupling of Iowa tax to the new federal tax code changes.

     Iowa is now known as being the Best State in the Nation! This best state distinction is according to a report from “U.S. News and World Report.”

     The secret we have been keeping is out: Iowa IS the greatest place in this country to live, to raise a family, put down roots and a great place to work. Not just in big cities, but also in our rural communities and small towns.

     This week, the Senate finalized two bills regarding education funding. The first increased education funding by $32 million for the next fiscal year. The second bill provides $14 million in new money for schools to dedicate to transportation and funding to educate all our students fairly, regardless of zip code.

     Another bill passed requires students to pass a civics exam with a score of 60 percent or above in order to graduate from high school. Under the proposal, students would take the latest available civics exam administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Students will have the opportunity to take the exam once per school year at no cost. As we focus on STEM in our schools, it is also important students are learning the history of our country, how government works and the basics of the United States Constitution. I believe these principles will encourage students to get involved in the political process and be engaged citizens. The bill passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 38-12.

     Congratulations to Secretary Bill Northey on his confirmation to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Northey will serve as Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service.

     Bill Northey is a friend to every Iowa farmer and every farmer across the nation. We were fortunate that Iowa had him here the past several years. I am fortunate Bill is my friend and a great mentor to all of us involved in agriculture.

     Bill’s knowledge and expertise will be immediately put to use as the new Farm Bill is formulated to address the needs of all American farmers. His leadership will be key in the future of farming across the United States.

 

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