Could the income tax be eliminated?

Iowa CapitolBy Bob Eschliman
Editor

 

Two Iowa senators have requested a legislative council study of the impact eliminating Iowa’s income taxes would have on the state.

Senate Minority Whip Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) and Sen. Mark Chelgren (R-Ottumwa) offered Senate Resolution 11 last Tuesday, requesting the Legislative Council establish an interim study committee to look into the income tax’s elimination. The resolution was forwarded to the Ways and Means Committee, which has referred it to a subcommittee comprised of Sens. Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames), Bill Dotzler (D-Waterloo) and Randy Feenstra (R-Hull).

The resolution states the income tax creates a “substantial financial burden” on the citizens of Iowa “as they work hard to grow businesses, educate their children, and save for their future.” It also states the income tax’s collection and administration represents a “substantial expense to the State of Iowa.”

The authors of the resolution say “elimination of the income tax could have a positive impact on Iowa’s taxpayers, economy, and job growth, without limiting the state’s ability to provide for the protection, security, and benefit of its citizens.”

 

Republicans ask Congress to pass National Guard restrictions

A group of Republican senators has also offered a resolution requesting Congress and President Obama to enact new legislation that curtails the use of National Guard units for federal duty for prolonged periods without congressional approval. Senate Resolution 12 requests that the President of the United States seek the approval of Congress for any federal mobilization of more than 180 days in duration.

The resolution was forwarded to the Rules and Administration Committee.