Legislators will bring Governor’s tax raising proposals ahead

Republican legislators vow not to raise taxes, yet they plan to bring Governor Vilsack’s proposed tax increases up for a vote in committees soon. Republicans hold more spots on the committees than democrats, so the democrat governor’s plan will fail. Senate Democrat Leader Michael Gronstal of Council Bluffs says it’s a ridiculous exercise.Gronstal says it’s pretty clear republicans want to play political games rather than pursue solutions. Gronstal concedes few democrats will support the governor’s call to raise the cigarette tax and charge the state sales tax on more services.Gronstal says republicans are trying to send a message to the governor. House Democrat Leader Pat Murphy of Dubuque says the governor and democrats are willing to sit down and strike a compromise. Murphy says republicans aren’t listening and are instead intend on playing political games. Murphy says it’s time for republicans “to grow up and start taking things seriously.” He says republicans want to “pass the blame off like a little kid” and point their fingers at everybody else. Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows shot right back. Iverson says he’s “never been accused in the last several years of being immature.” Senate President Jeff Lamberti, a republican from Ankeny, says democrats are trying to have the best of both worlds. Lamberti says democrats want all the new spending Vilsack proposes, but won’t support raising taxes to pay for it. Lamberti says democrats are trying to have it both ways. House Republican Leader Chuck Gipp of Decorah says the name-calling isn’t constructive. Gipp says it’s the democrats who are immature and acting like children.