State lawmakers are considering a bill that would add a disaster relief checkoff to Iowa tax forms. Representative Tom Sands, a Republican from Wapello, says it’s likely the checkoff would take the place of a checkoff that’s currently on the tax forms.
“When you add one the bottom being the least popular gets dropped off and we want to make sure if this is done which one drops off or if there’s a way that this should be done more permanent,” Sands says. Sands says they’re working out the kinks in the bill to create a way to raise more funds for disaster relief.
“If this is established you would want to make sure that it was administered in a manner that was true disasters, like a gubernatorial declaration or presidential declaration and not just individuals trying to decide,” Sands said. The American Red Cross is backing the bill to raise more funds for Iowa flood and tornado recovery.
There are currently checkoffs for child abuse prevention, a shared firefighter and veterans fund, a fish and wildlife fund, and for the Iowa State Fair Foundation. You can find out more about the checkoffs on the Department of Revenue’s website at: www.iowa.gov/tax/1040EI/Line/10Line58.html