House Republicans have released a tax plan that uses the governor’s outline for lowering the state income tax to a single rate of four percent and making retirement income tax exempt.

“I’ve been clear that we want to have something that’s simple that’s part of our tax plan, that’s sustainable as part of our tax plan and something that works without having to raise any taxes. I think we have that bill,” House Speaker Pat Grassley told reporters during a news conference on the House floor.

Fifty-five Republicans in the Iowa House are co-sponsoring a bill to immediately exempt retirement income from the Iowa income tax.

Representative Gary Mohr (R-Bettendorf) spoke with reporters in the House Chamber this morning on his bill to make retirement income in Iowa tax-free. 

Iowa Republicans have laid out plans to improve access to mental health care in Iowa.

Republican lawmaker Ann Meyer told reporters Tuesday morning that expanding mental health care is her top priority and she said that is especially important when some hospitals aren’t giving treatment to the patients who need it most.

Mental health care workers and patients would be in line for assistance under a package of bills introduced by state lawmakers.

Iowa House Republicans have introduced four bills that would aim to add more mental health beds at state-run mental health facilities, establish more psychiatric residencies in the state, and create a loan repayment program for mental health care workers.