Legislative Session Ends This Week

Legislative leaders say this is likely the final week of the 1999 Iowa Legislature. Three major issues remain unresolved: tax cuts, gambling policy and campaign finance reform. This week the Senate will consider a plan to cut income taxes by about 73 million dollars. The House will consider a plan to reduce property taxes by about 40 million. On gambling policy, the Housewill debate a bill which would establish a moratorium on new gambling licenses as well as casino expansion. Campaign finance reform is the most controversial issue. The House will pass onto the Governor a bill whichre-establishes the ban on corporate contributions to Iowa politicians. However, the bill includes a requirement that union and association membersgive written permission EACH YEAR so a portion of their dues may be used for political purposes. Governor Vilsack vows to veto the bill because hebelieves it’s a Republican attack on unions.