RI examines impact of 2001 legislative session

How will the 2001 Iowa Legislature’s work affect you? If you write a check each month to the utility company, you’ll save a bit of money. The Iowa Legislature passed a law which gradually reduces, then ends the five percent sales tax that’s charged on your electric bill. If you’re a schoolteacher, the legislature and the Governor have started the process of dumping the seniority system for determining raises. Pay hikes will soon be linked to performance. As for what the legislature didn’t do, lawmakers failed to pass a bill which would have made it easier for utilities to build new power plants in Iowa. And, if you want to legally drive over 65 on the Interstates, you’re out of luck. A bill raising the speed limit to 75 stalled in the House.