A three-member panel of financial experts has increased its estimate of state tax receipts in the current budgeting year by nearly $360 million. The Revenue Estimating Conference predicts tax growth this year will be 4.9 percent, but in the following year it will be 1.7 percent as the GOP crafted … [Read more...]
Young and Axne critical of Farm Bureau Health Benefit Plans
The Iowa Farm Bureau's Health Benefit Plans that go on sale November 1 are getting a thumbs down from Republican Congressman David Young and Cindy Axne, his Democratic opponent for Iowa's third district seat. The Farm Bureau plans were designed as a cheaper option for Iowans who buy their own … [Read more...]
State tax revenue up 7.5 percent in last quarter
A report from the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency indicates there's been "extremely strong growth" in state tax collections during the past three months. "Fiscal Year 2019 is off to a fast start," Legislative Services Agency senior fiscal analyst Jeff Robinson says. Over the months of … [Read more...]
$127 million state budget surplus as books closed on FY 2018
After higher than expected tax revenue and a mid-year round of budget cuts, the final report on the recently-concluded state fiscal year shows a $127 million surplus. The 12-month state fiscal year ends on June 30, but the books aren't closed until September to account for last minute bills and … [Read more...]
Governor Reynolds wants another tax cut if she wins in November
Republican Governor Kim Reynolds says she hopes to cut taxes again if she is elected to a full, four-year term this November. "We're working on that right now," Reynolds says. "We haven't sat down. I haven't laid anything out." Reynolds took over as governor in late May of 2017, so the 2018 … [Read more...]
State Ag Secretary candidates differ on volume of tax money needed for soil and water quality initiatives
The two major party candidates for state ag secretary say preserving Iowa's soil and cleaning up the state's lakes and streams are an important mission for the State of Iowa, but they differ on a proposal that's been around nearly eight years to raise more money for that mission. Tim Gannon, the … [Read more...]
IRS reminding you again to review your paycheck witholding
The Internal Revenue Service is again asking you to make sure the right amount of taxes are being taken out of your paycheck. IRS spokesman, Chris Miller, says it's important to look at the numbers now. "Time is running out for taxpayers to do a paycheck checkup. To check their withholding yet … [Read more...]
State sales tax holiday is Friday and Saturday
Iowans can save some money if they're doing back-to-school shopping this weekend -- or for themselves if they don't have kids -- with the annual Sales Tax Holiday. John Fuller, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Revenue, says this is the 20th year for the holiday, which runs Friday and Saturday. … [Read more...]
Raising wages — three approaches from three candidates in third district
The three candidates seeking the Democratic Party's nomination in Iowa's third congressional district are proposing different methods for raising incomes for low-wage workers. The topic was discussed tonight during a 90-minute forum sponsored by The Des Moines Register and KCCI television. Pete … [Read more...]
In final TV forum of primary season, Democrats debate GOP tax law
The five Democrats competing for their party's nomination for governor met in their final televised debate tonight, each offering a critique of the tax plan Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law this afternoon. All the candidates argue the plan will provide little, if any tax relief … [Read more...]