This has been the most pro-taxpayer legislative session in recent history and will create a better and brighter future for Iowa.
When legislators returned to the Capitol in January, ITR encouraged them to "think big and don't back down" and that it was "time to seize the opportunity to create a better and brighter future for Iowa."
Now, after the legislative session has adjourned, did it happen? Absolutely!
Simply put, this year has been the most pro-taxpayer legislative session in recent history. Here is a quick summary of how reforms passed this year will make Iowa a better, stronger, and more conservative state for future generations:
Taxpayer Victories:
Income Tax Reform
HF 2317
Passed Senate 32-16 on February 24
Passed House 61-34 on February 24
Signed by the governor on March 1
When you paid your taxes this year, Iowa's highest individual income tax rate was 8.53%, the ninth-highest rate in the country.
State government has enough money. Rainy-day funds aren't just full, they are bursting at the seams. One of them, the Taxpayer Relief Fund, currently has a balance of almost TWO BILLION DOLLARS.
Clearly, Iowans were overpaying on their taxes!
This substantial overcollection of tax dollars necessitated a major reform to the Iowa tax code.
Governor Reynolds and the legislature worked to pass the most significant tax relief legislation in state history. When fully implemented, the reform will:
- Create a 3.9% flat individual income tax rate
- Eliminate state income taxes on retirement income in 2023
- Set a path to reduce the corporate income tax from 9.8% to 5.5%
- Phase-out special tax incentives in the corporate tax code
Individual income tax rates will be reduced as follows:
- 6.0 percent (2023)
- 5.7 percent (2024)
- 4.82 percent (2025)
- 3.9 percent (2026)
Why Is This a Big Deal?
First, you, your neighbors, and every other Iowan will have a lower tax bill and keep more money in their bank account. One estimate states the average Iowa family will save around $1,600 every year.
Second, Iowa will become more attractive to businesses and individuals. The state can become a destination for those looking to relocate and keep current residents as the world embraces remote technology.
Third, it is our name -- IOWANS FOR TAX RELIEF. As an ITR member, you helped influence this outcome. A few weeks before the bill passed, Governor Reynolds thanked ITR and said we are "incredible, indispensable partners in this ongoing effort." That ongoing effort achieved a fantastic victory: The most significant tax reform in Iowa's history.
Unemployment Reform
HF 2355
Passed House 58-37 on March 23
Passed Senate 30-14 on April 26
Sent to the governor
Iowa weathered the economic storm brought upon us by COVID better than any other state. However, there are still help wanted signs and businesses reducing hours or closing because they can't find workers.
To help solve this problem, a major unemployment overhaul was passed, bringing us much more in line with other states. This reform:
- Reduces regular unemployment weeks from 26 to 16 weeks, and reduces unemployment weeks from plant closures from 39 to 26 weeks
- Adds a definition of employee "misconduct"
- Reduces the percentage of unemployment benefits one receives each week a person refuses a job offer
Why does this matter?
This reform will reduce the amount of time individuals spend on unemployment and help get Iowans back to work faster. Instead of having generous, big-labor benefits, the system will now be more responsible and recognize our economy's need for workers.
Open Records Request Costs
SF 2355
Passed Senate 40-0 on February 23
Passed House 93-0 on March 24
Signed by the governor on May 2
Accessing open records has become problematic in some situations. Under the guise of "legal review," some local governments were charging exorbitant fees.
This new law states that if copies of public records can be provided in less than 30 minutes, the documents should be free except for copying costs. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, the cost should be reasonable.
Why does this matter?
Citizens need to have access to open records to hold their government accountable. Iowans deserve to know precisely how elected officials and their employees use tax dollars.
Home-Based Business Protections
HF 2431
Passed House 66-25 on March 10
Passed Senate 28-15 on May 24
Sent to the governor
Cities that regulate home-based businesses often impose costly restrictions through a patchwork of outmoded zoning, licensing, and permitting requirements. These regulations do nothing to protect neighborhoods, and they wreak havoc on people's ability to earn a living from home.
To help these entrepreneurs, the legislature passed and sent to the governor a reform that prohibits municipalities from increasing regulations on home-based businesses beyond a reasonable level.
Why does this matter?
As inflation tightens family budgets, people who desire to work from home without disturbing their residential neighborhoods should be able to do so. It's common sense.
Work Left to Do:
A few issues ITR supported didn't make it across the finish line. We will continue to promote our solutions for these problems next year:
- School Choice
- Occupational Licensing Reform
- Supermajority to Raise Income and Sales Tax
- Taxpayer-Funded Lobbyists
- Property Tax Reform
- School Budget Transparency
- Public Assistance Program Integrity
- TIF Reform
- Certificate of Need Reform
- November-Only Bond Issues
What's Next?
The battle against big government continues every year.
In November, Iowans will elect the governor, all 100 representatives in the House, and 34 of the 50 state senators because of the redistricting process.
You can help define the path to victory by partnering with Iowans for Tax Relief PAC (ITR PAC) to elect legislators who will fight out-of-control taxes and excessive spending while getting the government out of the way of Iowa families and businesses.
Donate to ITR PAC to help elect good candidates across Iowa so that big-government politicians won't own our future.