The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Hamilton, Story and Wright counties in Iowa House District 55:
Iowa Legislature Adjourns “Sine Die”
Before adjourning sine die, or for the last time of the 2023 session on May 4, the Iowa Legislature passed a balanced budget and delivered $100 million in tax relief.
Floor Manager Bobby Kaufmann said the Property Tax Relief lays the groundwork to deliver bolder reform in the future. Final budget agreements included a $13 million increase in state funding toward mental health, a $1.3 million increase to Iowa’s child welfare workers, and a $15 million increase in state funding to Iowa’s nursing homes.
Below is a summary of that bill, as well as summaries for many of the state departments’ budget bills:
HF 718 Delivers $100 Million in Property Tax Relief
- New exemption on top of existing tax credits for all Iowans 65 and older amounts to $3,250 for 2024 and $6,500 for 2025.
- Current property tax credit for military veterans of $1,852 is transformed into new Military Service Property Tax Exemption totaling $4,000.
Transportation Operations Budget (SF 576)
- Approved budget is about $27 million more than last year, primarily due to updating the 60-year-old Davenport Highway Operations complex.
- Other budget increases were due to increased costs of replacing trucks and plows.
Administration & Regulations Budget (SF 557)
- In years past, the Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) billed individual departments for cybersecurity services. Going forward, a general fund appropriation will provide funding for these services.
- The Office of the Governor’s budget has been near stagnant for over 10 years, so this bill increases that appropriation by about $500,000.
IDALS, DNR, EFF Appropriations (SF 558)
- Appropriates $1 million in the foreign animal disease preparedness and response fund.
- Includes $500,000 to implement “Choose Iowa” marketing program that promotes food grown/raised in Iowa.
- Provides $750,000 for Iowa Dairy Innovation Fund to help family dairies modernize or process dairy products on their farm.
- Includes intent language for the Department of Natural Resources to allocate at least 50 full-time equivalents for seasonal park upkeep and sanitary efforts.
Youth Employment Opportunities (SF 542)
Senate File 542 updates Iowa’s youth labor laws and expands opportunities for teenagers to work in our state. This bill allows teenagers to perform common-sense work activities like operating a microwave, doing laundry, and unloading groceries.
Opponents of this bill say it will overwork teenagers. Ironically, many teenagers’ school sports or activities keep them out past 7 p.m., however, current law only allowed teenagers to work until 7 p.m. This bill will allow employees under age 16 to work until 9 p.m. during the school year and until 11 p.m. during the summer.
Opponents of this bill also say we should not solve the state’s labor shortage by employing kids younger than 16. Please keep in mind this bill does not require anyone to work anywhere. Parents and their children can decide together if having a job is right for them.
I grew up working on my family’s small farm and in our family business. Work experience fostered my work ethic and helped me develop confidence as my skill level increased. My former neighbor, who is in a college coaches hall of fame, grew up in a city but traveled to farming communities throughout the Midwest to recruit football players for their strong work ethic.
Working a job or participating in a work-based learning program helps teenagers learn valuable life skills, save money for the future, and explore possible career paths. Their employers are often role models and mentors. Studies also show that teens with jobs are less likely to engage in risky behavior. For all these reasons, I supported this bill.
lowa Economic Development Authority’s Technical Bill
Stay in Touch
Much was accomplished during the first session of the 90th General Assembly as Iowa House Republicans continued to deliver on our promises to provide tax relief, fund Iowans’ needs, and maintain a balanced budget. Next January we will return to session and continue working to make Iowa the best state in the nation to work, live and play. In the meantime, I look forward to visiting communities throughout House District 55.
(MAIN PHOTO via Latham office)
