As promised, this week was really intense as committees worked hard to vote out bills before the end of “funnel week”. Unfortunately I was often in those meetings when visitors from Mason City were at the Statehouse and I didn’t have the opportunity to talk at length with them. I felt bad when I returned to my seat and found notes that had been sent in while I was away. Please feel free to contact me at home on the weekends if you have a pressing issue or by email during the week.
Most of what we passed this week during debate was non-controversial, as is normally 90% of what we do. I know it sometimes seems as if every issue is partisan, and that is really not the case. However, there are issues before us this year that I feel very strongly about such as preschool. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues that are important to you.
We debated the Job Creation Tax Cut bill that had already been approved in the Senate. Among other things, it provides responsible tax relief for small business and hard-working Iowa families, and encourages small businesses to expand their operation by allowing deduction of large-ticket items immediately.
Unfortunately, when Senate File 209 was debated in the House, the only item that was stripped from the bill was a provision that would have raised the Earned Income Tax Credit for those whose income does not exceed $40,000 per year. It would have put more money in the pockets of lower-income people and the loss of that incentive disappointed me.
The House will hold a public hearing on a bill to end Iowa’s collective bargaining law on Monday, March 7, at 6 PM in the House Chambers. Iowans who want to testify can call 515-281-5129 or submit written testimony to lioinfo@legis.state.ia.us.
Upcoming Forums
March 5
Mason City Chamber Forum
Chamber Office
9:30 AM
March 18
Clear Lake Chamber Forum
Clear Lake Bank & Trust
10:00 AM
March 19
Listening Post
Mason City Public Library
10:00 AM|
