A Balanced, Sustainable Budget and Property Tax Relief are Job Magnets for Iowa

Submitted by Senator Pat Ward

We have reached the home stretch and it’s time for deal making.  We need to fish or cut bait.  We know what our priorities are – and what our must do list is to finish what we were elected to do.  And, simply put, there are many bills that should never see the light of day.  Many of the bills we defeated, like those that imposed additional rules and regulations on the people of our state, lead me to believe we are making a difference in our efforts to grow Iowa. 

The budget and property tax reform are two of the biggies that are yet to be resolved. 

Nearly all of the individual budget bills are headed to bi-partisan House and Senate conference committees where the differences in the House and Senate priorities are negotiated.  We remain committed to passing a budget plan for the next fiscal year that spends no more money than the state takes in.  That means we will not use one-time money, like our ending cash balance this year, to pay for ongoing expenses.  That would be like using your year-end cash bonus to buy a new house with a 30 year mortgage – the first payment would be there and foreclosure would soon follow.  We should not start government programs if we can’t pay for them.    

As negotiations occur on these important budget bills, I will continue to be the watchdog for hardworking Iowa families.

Property tax relief for all classes of property is a MAGNET for job creation.  This is a must-do bill to stimulate growth and create jobs for the people of our state.

Iowa has some of the highest property taxes in the nation and without significant, authentic and aggressive property tax relief for all classes of property, I’m convinced meaningful economic expansion and job creation will be stymied.  Unfortunately, the House and Senate have very different versions of property tax reform – the Senate Democrat’s plan is referred to as the “wimpy” version and the House and Governor’s plan provides much needed change.  With that said, I’m optimistic the details of this crucial legislation will be worked out between the Governor and House and Senate leaders and all Iowans will call it a victory in the end. 

My job is to continue to be a strong voice for you as we craft the final details of legislation that will change the future of our state.  And I believe our future depends on us “getting things right” – Iowans should expect no less.

Thank you for the privilege of electing me to serve in the Iowa Senate.  I am your voice at the State Capitol.  Please feel free to contact me at pat.ward@legis.iowa.gov or by calling me at 281-3371.