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The session continues into extra innings following its scheduled end on April 17. No budget agreement had been reached on the "big number" for the overall State budget, so conference committees could not meet to negotiate. Most House members were sent home early and left the building Wednesday. At this point those in the lobby (and probably a lot of legislators) are hoping the session does not continue through much of the summer like last year. Read More »
April 17 marks the end of legislators' per diem, but session will continue beyond that date as budget and property tax negotiations continue. Progress has been made however, with most budget bills being assigned to conference committees and the passage by the Senate of the contentious Health and Human Services budget bill. Read More »
Tax Increment Finance continues to be a hot topic at the capitol. The House has its bill, HF2460, on the calendar for debate in the House. Many groups interested in economic development are following this legislation and are opposed to some of the significant changes proposed in the bill. Read More »
The week after the second funnel was relatively uneventful. Dozens of bills died as a result of Joint Rule 20 and can only be resurrected as amendments to another bill, joint leadership sponsorship or as part of the standing appropriations bill. Read More »
Friday, March 16 marked the second funnel deadline, when bills must be passed out of one chamber and then out of committee in the opposite chamber to continue to move forward. It creates a "crunch time" for many lobbyists as they try to ensure their clients' issues stay alive. Read More »
The budget discussion has started to heat up over the last couple of weeks. Statewide estimates made by the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) set the tone for the session's budget discussions, because all budget bills must take into account the REC projections. Read More »
The budget discussion has started to heat up over the last couple of weeks. Statewide estimates made by the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) set the tone for the session's budget discussions, because all budget bills must take into account the REC projections. Read More »
SSB3141, a bill that would increase Iowa's gas tax by five cents per year in 2013 and 2014, took another tentative step forward this week when it was voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill would also increase registration fees for new vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles. Read More »
A heavily amended property tax bill got the green light from the Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee this week. HF2274 (formerly HSB 519), the Governor's commercial property tax reform proposal, now moves to the floor. It will likely be debated early next week. Read More »
Sometimes no news is big news at the capitol. This week, the lack of action on two topics made news. Last week we reported the nuclear power bill (HF561) was amended in subcommittee and voted out to be considered in the full Senate Commerce Committee. Read More »
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