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contributions
by a married couple to a non-public school tuition organization.
At least 90% of annual revenue of the private school tuition
organization must be allocated for educational scholarships or
tuition grants to children enrolled in a qualifying school each
year.
GAMBLING
& TAXES OTHER TOP ISSUES
Last
week marked the end of a very successful legislative session, and it
ended on a high note. The
budget priorities of Iowans were fully funded, taxes were not
raised and job creation was again a top priority.
The
year began with some unforeseen circumstances.
For one, the Supreme Court ruled a portion of our gaming tax
code unconstitutional, leaving us with a $160 million hole in the
budget. Income and sales
tax receipts were low, and the governor enacted an across-the-board
cut to the state budget.
But
often times, true leadership is found in how you are able react when
roadblocks are thrown in your way, and House Republicans continued
moving the state of
Iowa
forward.
At
the same time, House Republicans were able to draft and pass a
bipartisan gambling bill, something cynics said could never been
done. Through a series
of public meetings and hearings, all interested parties had the
opportunity to have their input on a bill that the governor is
likely to sign.
Completing
these tasks was not easy. This
was a year that began with a steady drumbeat from the governor to
raise taxes on hardworking Iowans.
He traveled the state in an attempt to gain momentum and
support for this $300 million-plus increase, which would have funded
an enormous increase in spending.
Iowans heard his call, and so did the Legislature.
We instead listened to Iowans – who overwhelmingly told us
they did not support his tax-and-spend proposal – we agreed, and
we did not increase taxes.
Not
only were taxes not raised, the Republican-led Legislature took
first steps at passing a constitutional amendment giving the people
the right to vote on tax increases.
House
Republicans clearly provided a stark contrast to the governor, and
stood strong with Iowans. We
will continue to come back and fight any attempts by this – or any
future governor – who tries to raise taxes that will smother
Iowa
businesses and result in
job losses.
Ways
& Means Update
Bills
introduced introduced in
committee
this week:
HSB
726- An Act relating to the excise tax imposed upon gasoline.
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Week
in Review Archives