Wrapping up the 2018 session

By: 
Tod Bowman
Iowa State Senator, 29th Dist.

     There are just two working days until the session’s 100-day official end, but legislators have yet to see a budget proposal for next year. When a budget is constructed behind closed doors, Iowans don’t know how it will affect them, their roads, their schools or their health care. That’s not good government.

     This haphazard approach to state finances and secret budget negotiations is irresponsible. Iowans deserve better leadership, transparency and accountability for their hard-earned tax dollars.

     Thursday, April 12, House Republicans released a tax plan that is much more fiscally responsible than the Senate’s tax plan from earlier this session. House Republicans said the Senate’s tax plan was dead on arrival, so they crafted their own. The bill allows working Iowans to keep money saved from federal tax code changes; adjusts the standard income tax deduction from $2,070 single/$5,090 family to $3,000 single/$7,500 family; reduces individual tax rates for all Iowans in a very fair manner; and addresses the disadvantage that Main Street businesses face from online companies that don’t collect sales tax.

     Senate Republicans are looking to introduce a new version of their tax bill, and I will work to ensure the results are fair to all Iowans and sustainable for our state’s long-term financial security.

     As session winds down, I will continue to make sure our budget and tax packages are focused on better jobs, great educational opportunities, thriving communities and making Iowa the best place to live.

     The Senate is still working on policy issues that impact Iowans. For example, the Legislature approved HF 2371, which updates state regulations for honeybee hives on public property.

     This will allow Iowa schools to enhance their gardens with hives and use them as teaching tools. Tending to hives and observing bee activity provides kids with lessons in biology, agriculture, ecology, nutrition and business. Despite their stingers, honeybees are docile, and with a little education, kids and bees can coexist in harmony.

     Field and horticultural crops, home gardens and plants eaten by wildlife are dependent on bee pollination to produce their fruits, nuts and seeds. The economic value of honeybees as crop pollinators in Iowa has been estimated at $92 million annually. Iowa honeybees also produce about 4 million pounds of honey each year, valued at more than $8 million. Learn more from the Iowa Honey Producers Association.

     On Wednesday, April 11, I floor managed Senate Resolution 115, recognizing Spencer Lee. Spencer, a freshman at the University of Iowa, recently won the NCAA wrestling tournament in the 125-pound weight class. He won five matches, including one against the defending champion, and outscored his opponents 60-4 to win the title. He is the first true freshman from the University of Iowa to win the tournament since 1993. It was pleasure to honor him, Head Wrestling Coach Tom Brands and Assistant Coach Ryan Morningstar in the Senate chamber.

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