Iowa Farm Bureau tax plan wins early praise

Legislators from both parties and the Governor are praising the Farm Bureau for coming forward with the idea. Governor Tom Vilsack says the Farm Bureau responded to the challenge to “think boldly.”Vilsack says there are a lot of questions to be answered, but he says the proposal merits serious consideration. Vilsack calls the idea “thought-provoking.” Vilsack says it’s a “comprehensive, large idea” that he’s willing to look at seriously to see if it’s a “proper fit for the state.” House Speaker Christopher Rants, a Republican from Sioux City, He says they’ve challenged members to think outside the box. Rants says Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature got a 30-minute presentation from the Farm Bureau today, and will talk with Farm Bureau officials tomorrow in private meetings to ask questions. House Republican Leader Chuck Gipp of Decorah says the idea “bears a lot of study.”