The governor's budget director is urging caution as state tax revenue growth is expected to be much lower this budget year than in the previous one. Iowa Department of Management director Dave Roederer says he doesn't think a recession is near, but he has concerns. "While everything looks pretty … [Read more...]
Allegations lead state to put hold on incentives for Sioux City plant
State officials have frozen tax incentives for a Sioux City pork processing plant due to an investigation of alleged mistreatment of foreigners recruited to work at the plant. Seaboard Triumph Foods was awarded $16.5 million in tax credits and sales tax breaks for the Sioux City facility which … [Read more...]
State of Iowa surplus hits $289.3 million
The governor has announced the State of Iowa's last fiscal year ended with a surplus of nearly $290 million. The state's 12-month fiscal year ended June 30th, but the books don't close until two months later to ensure all receipts and payments are processed. This year's $289.3 million surplus is … [Read more...]
State tax incentives approved for Eddyville, Dubuque, Lime Springs businesses
The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved state incentives for three businesses that have promised to create 150 new jobs. IEDA spokesperson, Jacque Matsen, says Cargill was awarded tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs program for a $125 million expansion of its Eddyville plant. … [Read more...]
Reynolds says flood-related costs still being calculated
Governor Kim Reynolds says it is too early to assess how much more state money may be needed for flood recovery. "We're going to continue to work with the federal government, work the Corps, work with FEMA, work with HUD to see what the total cost is," Reynolds says. "What's the federal share? … [Read more...]
Voters reject bonds for fitness centers in Orange City and Ames
Voters in two Iowa cities have rejected plans for publicly-financed fitness facilities. It takes a 60 percent "super majority" vote for bond referendums to pass in Iowa. Unofficial results from Orange City indicate only 43 percent of voters supported the $5 million-bond for a proposed "Aspire … [Read more...]
Iowa Revenue Department updates website to improve search function
The Iowa Department of Revenue has updated its website and public information officer John Fuller says they are hoping it has made it easier find what you want. "I think the biggest difference is we've always had a website where there is a lot of information on there -- but it was very difficult … [Read more...]
Five central Iowa suburbs approve local option sales tax
Voters in five Des Moines suburbs have approved a one-percent local option sales tax that will go into effect January 1. In March, voters in six Polk County cities, including Des Moines, approved raising the local option sales tax on July 1st -- but the measure failed in five other Polk County … [Read more...]
Sales tax holiday underway today and tomorrow
Whether you're shopping for clothes for yourself or for your kids heading back to school, you can save a nice chunk of change with this weekend's annual Sales Tax Holiday. John Fuller, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Revenue, says the taxes will be eliminated on qualifying purchases all … [Read more...]
Cancer Action Network calls for increasing tobacco tax
Iowa is falling short on deterring kids from using tobacco, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network. Danielle Oswald-Thole, the organization's Iowa government relations director, blames the state’s tobacco tax, which can help push kids away from smoking, … [Read more...]