Advocates are raising concerns about regulatory changes that would increase staff-to-children ratios in Iowa child care centers. House Republicans have drafted a plan to let one employee oversee up to eight two-year-olds. The president of the Iowa Child Care Coalition says it would lead to more … [Read more...]
House GOP proposes exempting retirement income on 2022 tax form
House Republicans have introduced a bill to eliminate the state income tax on retirement income from pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s. Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley suggests it might prompt some older Iowans to reconsider relocating or living more than half the year in another state that … [Read more...]
Reynolds says state should invest in carbon capture research
Governor Kim Reynolds says carbon pipelines are private sector projects and she does not support direct state investment in any of the pipelines that are proposed. During her Condition of the State address last week, Reynolds called for investment in "carbon capture solutions sustain and build on … [Read more...]
New verification proposed for Iowans receiving government food, health care benefits
Republicans in the Iowa House are considering changes to the application process for government food assistance and health care coverage through Medicaid. One bill would require the state to adopt a new online system to verify a person's income, to ensure recipients qualify for government … [Read more...]
Representative Hinson tests positive for COVID a second time
Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion has tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time. In a written statement, Hinson said she began experiencing "mild, cold-like symptoms" Thursday afternoon, so she took a COVID test and it was positive. She's isolating and working remotely. Hinson is … [Read more...]
Reynolds proposes trigger for corporate tax cut
Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing a way to trigger corporate income tax cuts. The governor did not mention cutting taxes for corporations during her Condition of the State address earlier this week, but her plan is included in a budget report submitted to lawmakers. If Iowa corporations pay more … [Read more...]
Reynolds says ruling blocking COVID vaccination mandate is ‘major victory’
Governor Kim Reynolds says the Supreme Court's ruling that blocks federal COVID vaccine requirements in large businesses is a major victory for Iowans and their personal freedoms. During an interview with Radio Iowa before the ruling was announced, Reynolds called the vaccine mandate … [Read more...]
Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking launched to combat forced labor
Several Iowa businesses and trade groups have joined a new alliance to combat human trafficking in the state. The Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking or I-BAT is an initiative by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate's office. "I believe our business community can make a difference," Pate says. … [Read more...]
Reynolds says deductions, credits remain in her 4% ‘flat tax’ plan
Governor Kim Reynolds says her 4% flat tax plan would make Iowa's income tax system simpler and might one day lead the way to zero -- no state income tax. "I think we're working our way there," Reynolds said this afternoon during an interview with Radio Iowa. "...Every year, we'll take a look at … [Read more...]
Reynolds proposes 4% flat tax on income, end to taxes on retirement income
Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing an end to state income taxes on pensions and retirement accounts and lowering the state income tax to a single rate of just 4% within four years. "Flat and fair," Reynolds said, to cheers, as she described her tax plan during the annual "Condition of the State" … [Read more...]