Latest news with #PatGrassley
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa Rep. Pat Grassley might enter race for governor
IOWA (KCAU) — Iowa State Representative Pat Grassley is speaking out about the 2026 race for the governor's seat. The Iowa House Speaker is eyeing a possible run for the position. So far, the only confirmed candidates in the race are former state Representative Brad Sherman and current State Auditor Rob Sand. He was recently asked about his consideration to get into the governor race. 'I'm just going to take some time now that session has wrapped up as I've been saying, wanted to get through session and then take the next couple of weeks to kind of make a decision on what that would be. But, obviously, as being consistent with what I said earlier, considering that, yeah,' said Iowa House Speaker State Rep Pat Grassley (R). Grassley said he does not have a specific timeline on announcing whether or not he will run for the governor's seat. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Republican tax break won't paper over Iowa's unfair system of raising revenue
(Photo illustration by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Rest assured, Iowa. Republicans in Des Moines have heard your concerns about high prices, and they're doing something about it. Members of the Iowa House took the bold step recently of voting to eliminate the sales tax on toilet paper. This was such a high priority that Speaker Pat Grassley led the charge, along with nearly two dozen other members of the House GOP. The Senate and Gov. Kim Reynolds still must act before it becomes law, but judging by the non-partisan estimates, if all of them get on the same page, this will save every Iowan about $2.65 a year. Go to town, Iowa. Buy a couple of candy bars. To be fair, this isn't the only item Republicans want to shelter from the state sales tax this session. They're talking about adding laundry detergent, too. In all seriousness, I can see why Republicans might be eager to look like they're reducing the sales tax burden on Iowans. Public opinion polls say Americans are worried about high prices. Meanwhile, the tariffs President Trump is imposing have convinced people, correctly, that prices will go up even more. Still, Republicans in Iowa have more to be concerned about than just what their party's leader is doing to shrink American bank accounts. They've created problems of their own. Big shift in Iowa tax collections Over the past few years, the Iowa GOP has slashed personal and corporate income taxes that, historically, have taken a bigger percentage out of the incomes of the rich, even as they have collected more and more sales and use taxes, which exact a higher toll on low- and middle-income Iowans. Here's a good illustration. The March report by the state Revenue Estimating Conference on general fund revenues predicted that in fiscal year 2026, 55% of total tax receipts, or $5.6 billion, will come from personal and corporate income taxes. Meanwhile, 44%, or $4.4 billion, will come from sales and use taxes. (These figures don't include refunds, the vast majority of which are personal income tax refunds.) That's an extraordinary shift. In 2019, almost 63% of total tax receipts came from personal and corporate income taxes, while nearly 34% of the total came from sales and use taxes, a 29-point difference. That gap fell to 24 points in 2023. In 2026, the REC says, it will shrink to about 11 points. Percentage of Iowa's total tax receipts by fiscal year and tax type, not including refunds. (Data source: Revenue Estimating Conference reports on General Fund revenues. Graphic: Ed Tibbetts) This is an easy trend to miss. Republicans have made a big deal out of cutting income tax rates, and they get plenty of news coverage from it, too. Meanwhile, the state's sales and use tax rates have remained the same. But don't think the state isn't collecting more money every year just because those tax rates stayed the same. It clearly is. People are spending more money each year on goods and services, and they're paying more sales tax as a result. In addition, the Legislature expanded the sales tax, beginning in 2019, to include digital goods, subscription services and other online sales. This was no small tax increase. In fiscal year 2024, the state raised about $349 million from the tax on remote sales. Six years earlier, that number was zero. Meanwhile, the money the state is raising from the income tax is steadily declining. Between fiscal years 2023 and 2026, Iowa will collect nearly $1 billion less from personal and corporate income taxes, according to the Revenue Estimating Conference. At the same time, the state will raise almost $500 million more from sales and use taxes, the REC estimates. Again, the state is raising more money from the tax that hits low- and middle-income Iowans the hardest and less from the tax that traditionally has had a bigger impact on higher-income Iowans. Think of it this way: The sales tax on the $50 spent for clothes or dinner at a restaurant takes a bigger chunk out of the income of someone making $30,000 a year than it does from someone who's making $1 million. Last year, a study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy said the 20% of Iowa households with the lowest incomes in the state paid 6.6% of their family incomes on sales and excise taxes. The top 1% only paid 1.1%. (Source: Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy) This should not be a surprise. The same principle is at work with Trump's tariffs. The tariffs, which are a sort of sales tax, will hit low-income families harder than the wealthy. A new study by ITEP said for households making less than $29,000 next year, Trump's tariffs will impose an additional 6.2% tax on them, according to CNBC. Households making more than $915,000 a year will also see an increase, but it will be much smaller—only 1.7% of their incomes. Meanwhile, those tariff revenues will undoubtedly backfill some—but certainly not all—of the revenue lost to the federal treasury by extending the Trump tax cuts, which favor the wealthy. Hedging their bets In Iowa, Republican lawmakers support their president. And they are working to permanently freeze the shift they've implemented in state tax collections. They've pressed forward with a proposed amendment to the Iowa Constitution that would require supermajorities in the state Legislature to raise the personal or corporate income tax. But not the sales tax. They purposely excluded this tax from their proposal. Why? I think it's because they're hedging their bets. Iowa Republicans already see that their income tax cuts have yielded a $900 million deficit for fiscal year 2026. They have suggested they'll use one-time reserve funds to close the deficit this year. But what about down the road? What happens if Iowa's economy hits the skids? Or if lawmakers find they can't squeeze public education budgets more than they have already? Or if the economy doesn't grow as much as they promised and state reserves drain faster than expected? If this constitutional amendment is approved by voters, it will be practically impossible to raise personal or corporate income taxes, even on the wealthy who have benefitted the most from the Republicans' new flat income tax. Which may leave them no alternative but to raise sales and use taxes. The trend here isn't hard to figure out. The state of Iowa is relying more on the taxes that hit low- and middle-income Iowans the hardest, even as they lean less on the tax that has traditionally taken more money from the wealthy. This is a big shift, and saving $2.65 on a year's supply of toilet paper does nothing to change that fact. This column was originally published by Ed Tibbetts' Along the Mississippi newsletter on Substack. It is republished here through the Iowa Writers' Collaborative. Editor's note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors' blogs to support their work.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Dakota governor signs bill providing legal protections for pesticides manufacturers
North Dakota is poised to be the first state in the nation to implement a law that provides legal protections for pesticide manufacturers — an issue that has been debated in legislatures across the country in the face of large payouts to cancer victims. Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Wednesday signed House Bill 1318, which specifies that a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency acts as sufficient warning to users about the hazards posed by pesticides and herbicides such as Roundup. Georgia's General Assembly passed its version of the pesticide protection bill but it has yet to be signed. The National Agricultural Law Center has been tracking the status of similar legislation in Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming. In Iowa, the bill passed the Senate this year but did not have sufficient support to pass the House, House Speaker Pat Grassley told reporters last month. Elizabeth Burns-Thompson is the executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance, a national group backing the legislation in North Dakota and other states. 'This law sets the standard for states across America to pass legislation similar to HB 1318 and, ultimately, stand up for our farmers,' Burns-Thompson said Thursday in a statement. Ag groups have lined up behind the pesticide legislation, saying it ensures farmers will have access to chemicals they need to control weeds and insects. Critics have said the bill will make it harder for people harmed by chemicals to win lawsuits against the manufacturers of chemicals. Germany-based Bayer, maker of the popular herbicide Roundup, has been ordered to pay out billions of dollars to plaintiffs who claim the product has caused cancer. The EPA has never determined that Roundup causes cancer. Plaintiffs have still prevailed, in part on the argument that they were not adequately warned. Brigit Rollins, attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, wrote earlier this year that almost every pesticide injury lawsuit filed in the past 10 years has included a claim that the pesticide manufacturer failed to warn the plaintiff of the health risks associated with the product. Rollins was unavailable for comment Thursday, but wrote earlier this month that it was not clear how pesticide laws might affect pending lawsuits, which number in the thousands nationally. Bayer's website says it is also hopeful for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of laws such as the one being implemented in North Dakota. A Bayer executive said in an April 14 Wall Street Journal article that the company may have to shut down U.S. production of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. The pesticide bill in North Dakota sailed through the House of Representatives, where it was introduced, passing unanimously in January. It faced more debate in the Senate, but was amended and returned to the House. A small group of protesters gathered outside the Capitol the day of the Senate vote, urging members to reject the bill. Its second vote in the House was much closer, passing 51-40. As the debate on the bill wrapping up, Rep. Donna Henderson, R-Calvin, said, 'If we have learned anything, it is that we don't know all the answers. We don't know what this bill does.' She noted that similar legislation has been pushed in other states. 'If it's just a simple labeling bill, why did 35 other states vote it down?' she asked. Leaders of North Dakota farm groups expressed their appreciation for the bill Thursday. 'This monumental step forward helps ensure our farmers have the certainty they need to make long-term planning decisions and stay productive in the field,' Justin Sherlock, president of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association said. While the debate focused on Roundup, the law applies to other pesticides registered with the state Department of Agriculture. The North Dakota law will take effect July 1. If signed, the Georgia law would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Armstrong's office declined to comment on his decision to sign the bill. This story was originally published by North Dakota Monitor, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@ This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: North Dakota pesticide protection law a first for the US
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Work ahead for Iowa lawmakers after second funnel week narrows focus
DES MOINES, Iowa — The second funnel week of the 91st Iowa General Assembly was a little less eventful than the first, but some major bills have been kept alive. Gov. Kim Reynolds' bill to have a statewide phone ban policy in schools remains actionable, as well as a bill requiring 80 hours of work a month for those able to receive Medicaid. A bill relating to the use of eminent domain around carbon pipelines is also still alive in the Iowa Senate, but the final language will be the breaking point. Republican Speaker of the House Sen. Pat Grassley said, 'Our ultimate objective is going to be protecting landowners and if we don't feel that we're giving those proper protections to landowners, it's going to be really hard to come to any level of agreement, I think.' 'I think it's… we're at a point where we have some language that we can all agree on. I think…you know as well as I do that to advance a bill you have to have 26 votes. So, we've gotten to a point where we have 26 people willing to step up and advance some property rights,' said Republican Senate President Amy Sinclair. Homewi$e: Who is on your home buying team? Some bills killed by last week's deadline include liability protections for pesticide manufacturers in the state, pay increases for the governor and state lawmakers, and some language surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion offices at private schools. The DEI topic, in general, remains alive with one bill out of the Senate advancing. Democratic leadership is frustrated no party priorities advanced that they say would help Iowans. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said, 'We're disappointed, broadly, that there's been nothing done to help everyday Iowans' pockets. I mean, I can just say the legislation we put forward to lower childcare costs, to lower housing, to ensure that Iowans get a property tax rebate. They could still do that if they like, we've got a plan ready to go. 'There are states where they actually require that every bill gets a subcommittee at least. I would love to see that happen here so that we can at least get a hearing and have, so that Iowans that elected us can understand what the alternatives are even if they don't move forward from that,' said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner. May 2nd is the 110th day of the session and when it is scheduled to end. The massive property tax bill still has a lot of work to actually reach the finish line this year, and it's something that leadership says could bleed into the next legislative session. National Balloon Museum makes progress one-year after fire Work ahead for Iowa lawmakers after second funnel week narrows focus Forecast: Raindrops and warmth ahead Families experiencing child loss gather for Walk With You Gala DSM service members watch USS Iowa submarine commissioning Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa House not moving forward with bill shielding pesticide companies from health-related lawsuits
DES MOINES, Iowa — For two years in a row, what protesters coined the 'Cancer Gag Act' will not make it through the Iowa House. The Iowa Senate advanced the bill just a week ago with a slim margin: 26 voting for it and 21 against. The bill states that registered pesticide companies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that have had labeling approved by the EPA shall be sufficient to satisfy requirements for a warning regarding health or safety. It also states that the bill shall not be interpreted to prohibit a cause of action, which is grounds for a lawsuit. The Speaker of the Iowa House told members of the media that it will not be moving forward with the bill at this time. 'I think at this point in time, there's not support within the caucus for that bill,' said Speaker Pat Grassley (R), District 57 from New Hartford. 'And I think the caucus just in a position where they're not sure that they can support it at this point in time.' The Iowa Senate President was disappointed once again that the Republican House caucus did not move the bill through committee level to make it funnel-proof. Wild Lights at Blank Park Zoo returns this weekend 'I suppose the House can be entitled to their wrong opinion. I believe wholeheartedly that the bill we passed doesn't prevent anybody from seeking justice if they're damaged by a company. But I also believe that to have a proper system of justice, we have to make sure that individuals or companies can't be sued for following the law.' Cancer rates have shot up in the state over recent years and many Iowans have taken action against companies like Bayer, who produces RoundUp, which is why some protested at the statehouse just this week for the bill not to advance through the second funnel. Bayer has disputed the claims of RoundUp causing cancer, while paying out billions of dollars to settle previous lawsuits. Democratic leadership in both chambers are glad that the bill seems to be dead again this year. 'I think it would be a really positive thing for Iowans if the pesticide bill does not move forward,' said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D), District 45 from Iowa City. 'It was, from our read of it on the Senate side, it's really an immunity bill. And once you give one set of companies immunity, others are going to be lining up for it.' 'I think it's pretty telling that even Republicans in the House, that giving immunity to pesticide companies in a state that has skyrocketing cancer rates is not a good idea. And I'm thrilled to see that, hopefully, we won't be debating that this year,' said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D), District 32 from Windsor Heights. While the bill did not meet the second funnel week deadline, there are still ways for bill to be brought back up later in session. Iowa News: Iowa House not moving forward with bill shielding pesticide companies from health-related lawsuits Tulips begin to bloom in Pella Iowa AG warns your genetic data could be at risk Fan-favorite donut vendor won't return to Iowa State Fair in 2025 WHO 13 Farm Report: Thursday, April 3 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
