Week 6 Legislative Update

We made it through the first funnel week and have a better idea of what policy is still alive going forward. Focus is starting to turn towards the budget and starting appropriations for the next fiscal year. This week, the Senate released their overall budget target of $8.2 billion, in line with the Governor’s overall proposal although there are some line-by-line differences throughout the budget. This number increases state spending by $283 million with over half of that new money going to education.

The House passed their tax policy bill through the chamber this week, much earlier in the session than large substantive bills like this are passed. The House tax plan proposes lowering income tax to a 4% flat rate over the next few years and exempts retirement income from state taxes. This retirement income exemption includes traditional retirement income like 401Ks, employee stock benefits, and a farmer retirement exemption on cash rent payments or a capital gains exemption on the sale of land. This plans closely mirrors the Governor's proposal but does not include corporate income rate reductions like hers does. Read more here.

This week we had our Coop Day on the Hill where members had the opportunity to meet with legislators and discuss issues before the end of funnel week. This is one of the most important events we do because it connects members with legislators and make their voices heard. Grassroots advocacy is one of the most important ways to impact legislation. Thank you to all who made the trip to Des Moines!

Bill Tracking

This is a list of the bills IIC has declared on this session.

HSB 654- Third party CDL testing- FOR

This bill would allow regional transit authorities to act as third party testers for CDL tests, which will hopefully free up other testing options. This bill passed out of committee this week surviving the funnel.

HSB 655 -Ag commodity weight limit increase- FOR

This bill would allow vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, or manure to exceed weight limits by 12.5% up to 90,000. This bill is very similar to the harvest proclamation the governor signs every fall but would be year round. It passed out of committee, with an amendment adding dry fertilizer, this week surviving funnel.

HSB 615 -Digital sales tax- FOR

This digital sales tax bill addresses an issue the rural electric coops have been fighting for a few years. The subcommittee passed this bill this week and is now in full Ways and Means committee. Because this bill is in Ways and Means, it is "funnel proof" so it not subject to the funnel process.

HF2329 -Prize linked savings- FOR

This bill passed full State Government committee and is now eligible for floor debate.

HF 2128 -Biofuel access standard- UNDECIDED/MONITORING

Passed the House 82-10. This week, the bill passed the Senate Ag committee and is currently in Ways and Means.

General interest articles

KEY LEGISLATIVE DATES

A full session timetable can be found here.

March 18: Second funnel

April 19: 100th day of session

Please reach out if you have any questions about what happened this week, what the rest of session might look like, or if you have any other questions or need assistance with a governmental organization or agency.

Rebecca Boyer

Director of Government Affairs

cell: 712-363-4397

office: 515-292-2667

rboyer@iowainstitute.coop