Legislative leaders talk tax cuts

The leaders of the legislative committees which draft tax policy say Iowans’ taxes will be pared by between 10- and 15-million dollars next year. Senator Jo Ann Johnson, a republican from Adel, says the tax cuts will be quite targeted — such as a credit for employers who hire the disabled.Johnson also wants to consider a tax cut for businesses and individuals who purchase long-term care insurance. Representative James Van Fossen, a republican from Davenport, says state government is consuming too much of Iowans’ money.Over the past five years, the legislature and Governors Branstad and Vilsack have reduced Iowans’ taxes by over seven-hundred million dollars. Governor Vilsack has proposed a tax credit for teachers and engineers — two high-demand occupations. Senator Johnson says the legislature will NOT approve those credits.Van Fossen, the leader of the House Ways and Means tax-writing committee, also opposes the tax credits for teachers and engineers.Van Fossen and Johnson made their comments this morning during taping of the Iowa Public Television program, “Iowa Press.”