By Mari Radtke
Dennis Bush, Iowa House District 3 Representative visited Primghar Friday afternoon. He spoke to a crowd of about 20 people. He provided the crowd with an update on the legislatures activities over the most recent week.
Bush was excited to explain the support for Iowa Legislature for its assistance with ethanol distribution and small business. He explained that independent gas stations are not required to replace their infrastructure immediately. He said that as infrastructure wears out and must be replaced it can then include ethanol blend options. He was very pleased to announce that the bill contains financial assistance with that kind of ethanol project, up to $50,000 in grant funds.
Bush is also touting the flat tax that seems destined for adoption in some form. His view is that individuals and families paying less than 4% to the state will not see an increase in their tax rate. For others the rate will be reduced to 4%. Some corporations will experience a reduction in income taxes down to a bottom of 5.5%. He also explained a myriad of income exemptions to any state income tax. Passive income such as a retirement fund like IPERS or Social Security will not be taxed at all. There are other capital gains exemptions for farmers.
Legislation that assists foster children beyond their 18th birthday was also explained. Bush said that for kids in foster care getting cutoff from all services on that birthday created extraordinary burdens on them. Legislation to extend foster support for kids beyond 18, especially while in school advanced.
The legislature has been addressing the unavailability of a workforce for Iowa’s businesses. One tactic moving through the legislature is the reduction of unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 16 weeks. It also imposes financial penalties for not accepting work. The effort is to make it more attractive to work than to not work.