• Tweet of the morning:  From Radio Iowa’s Kay Henderson — @okayhenderson:  Vilsack spox Matt Paul says:  US Ag Sec/ex IA Gov Vilsack “considered it” but will not be a candidate for governor in 2014.
• Iowan testifies about IRS treatment of her nonprofit group:  RADIO IOWA
• ACLU:  In Iowa, African-Americans more likely to be arrested for marijuana:  GAZETTE
• Business Council survey shows little movement for second quarter:  RADIO IOWA
• Petition drive launched to change Linn County’s form of government:  GAZETTE
• Iowa copes with nitrate surge in drinking water:  QCTIMES
• Vernon formally joins Dem race for 1^st CD:  GAZETTE
• Branstad nominates 2 to Board of Regents:  QCTIMES
• Grassley, others ramp up immigration criticism:  SCJOURNAL
• DOT reports progress on online renewal:  GLOBEGAZETTE
• MidAmerican won’t build 2^nd Iowa nuke plant:  QCTIMES
• Harkin pushes legislation to replace No Child Left Behind:  SCJOURNAL
• Iowa AG:  Checks headed to more than 6,000 Iowans:  QCTIMES

Rep. Hess running her first bill on the floor as a member of the Iowa House

(DES MOINES) – The Iowa House debated its first set of bills for the year on Wednesday and Rep. Megan Hess (R-Spencer) floor-managed her first piece of legislation.

House File 112 was a Judiciary committee bill that dealt with bail in a criminal case.  The bill passed unanimously and was sent to the Senate for their consideration.

Hess is pictured here giving her opening remarks on the bill.

Last Saturday, the United States’ income tax turned 100 years old.  Since that day in 1913, the federal government has continued to grow itself year after year, decade after decade.  When the income tax was passed in 1913, the top rate was 7%.  Today, that top rate is sitting at 39.5% after President Obama’s new tax increases.  Since the 16^th Amendment was passed, not only have rates gone up, the tax code has become a confusing mess.

House Republicans know the frustrations that Iowans face with the current tax code and want to make it simpler and help Iowans keep more of their own money.  House File 3 gives Iowans a choice when paying their income taxes, either through the current system or a 4.5 percent flat tax with no deductions.  House Republicans know that NOW is the time for meaningful tax reform.

To read the full Heritage article, click here.

In October, Iowa’s business tax climate was ranked in the bottom 10, at number 42 in a report from the Tax Foundation.

The 2013 State Business Tax Climate Index is based on each state’s individual income tax, sales tax, corporate income tax, property tax, and unemployment insurance tax.  Iowa was ranked in the bottom half of every category other than sales tax, and currently has the 2nd highest corporate income tax rate in the nation.

Iowa’s FY 2013 ranks are:

• Corporate Tax – 49th
• Property Tax – 37th
• Unemployment Insurance Tax – 34th
• Individual Income Tax – 33rd
• Sales Tax – 24th

This report shows further evidence that Legislature needs enact tax relief and reform.  House Republicans are up to the task to reform and lower Iowa’s taxes and make it a place where new businesses want to grow and thrive.

• Iowa state lawmakers focus on taxes and education:  QCTIMES
• Iowa classrooms getting a little help:  GAZETTE
• Three pitches for new Sioux City casino:  RADIO IOWA
• DOT licensing policy change challenged:  GAZETTE
• Iowa law enforcement union ratifies new contract with state:  GAZETTE
• Senator says Schultz lacks authority to implement voter registration rules:  RADIO IOWA
•  UI emails:  Former education dean wanted survey comments kept private:  GAZETTE
• Legis preview:  hot buttons:  GLOBEGAZETTE
• Survey finds 30% of Iowans have no plan to pay off holiday debts:  RADIO IOWA
• Legislators take no action on Iowa voter rule:  QCTIMES
• Iowa appeals court overturns child allergy ruling:  SCJOURNAL
• Legislature leaders seek consensus despite divisions:  QCTIMES

Iowa political leaders are issuing statements today in remembrance of the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, attacks, when nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children lost their lives:

Gov. Terry Branstad:
“We must never forget the terrible atrocities of that fateful day, and we must continue to promote this great experiment that is America. Iowans answered the call of duty on 9/11, and have every day since. As our Iowa military service members so bravely responded with their determination, I hope all Iowans will take time today to remember the sacrifices of our service members and their families.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds:
“Today we remember those who perished in the deliberate, violent attack on our nation. The terrorists hoped to tear a hole in the fabric of our ideals, but instead Americans responded with a strengthened resolve as a united country. I encourage all Iowans to take a moment, remember those we lost, and pledge their time and energy to make this country a better place for all who reside within its borders.” – Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds

• Census data shows growing impact of Latino population: RADIO IOWA
• Grants available for community water foundation: RADIO IOWA
• Salmonella again detected at Iowa egg barn: GAZETTE
• Iowa City school board panel rethinking use of tax funds: GAZETTE
• Election ’12: King and Vilsack quarrel over food stamps: RADIO IOWA
• Congress not as idle as it seems, say observers: GAZETTE
• Health care coverage for all Iowans difficult to attain: GAZETTE
• Free clinics fill insurance gaps for East Iowans: GAZETTE\

Read details here

Excessive and unnecessary use of taxpayers dollars?

Watch Video Here

Senate Files 2058, 2092, 2244, 2282, 2292

Gov. Branstad today signed the following bills into law:

Senate File 2058: An Act relating to certain records of rural water districts, city utilities, and city enterprises.

Senate File 2092: An Act relating to informal dispute resolution, by eliminating a program for the establishment and support of locally organized informal dispute resolution centers in the Office of Prosecuting Attorneys Training Coordinator of the Department of Justice.

Senate File 2244: An Act requiring that a veteran seriously injured or very seriously injured in order to be eligible to receive a grant under the Injured Veterans Grant Program.

Senate File 2282: An act concerning the definitions of “all-terrain vehicle” and “off-road utility vehicle” for purposes of provisions administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

Senate File 2292: An Act to legalize the proceedings of the City Council of Ankeny, Iowa, including all legal notices given, in connection with the making of a contract for the construction of certain improvements to the NE 7th Street sanitary sewer improvement project with Pirc-Tobin Construction, INC. of Alburnett, Iowa, in connection with, and to legalize said contract, and authorize its performance by said council and the financing including project notes issued thereof.