Ethics committee to review Iowa gift law this session
The House Ethics Committee will review the Iowa $3 gift rule governing legislators. Members discuss whether the limit should rise from the long standing three dollar figure and consider broader ethics code updates including nepotism rules.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Q. Lynch
Gazette Des Moines
Iowa
House Ethics Committee
Scott Raecker
R-Urbandale
House
Ethics Committee
Raecker
Dick Myers
Diowa City
Serge Garrison
Senate
Stewart Iver
R-Dows
Chuck Gipp
Decorah
Mike Gronstal
Council Bluffs
Capitol
Iverson
Gipp
Iowa lawmaker proposes overhaul of property tax system
Sen. David Miller introduces a bill to reassess all property at fair market value and cap annual tax growth to the CPI. The plan would curb unfunded state mandates, reduce commercial property tax from 4 percent to about 3 percent over four years, and aim to boost economic growth in Iowa. Governor Vilsack backs sunset ideas but Miller calls for a concrete reform proposal for discussion. Democrats weigh the measure as House leaders prepare for early tax reform talks next week.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Des Moines
David Miller
Batavia
Iowa
Miller
Tom Vilsack
House
Dick Myers
Lowa City
Vilsack
Blouin urges broad outlook for Iowa economy growth
Iowa economic development head Mike Blouin urged a multi pronged strategy to build a new economy in targeted clusters rather than chase bidding wars over life science firms. He cited Gov Vilsack’s proposed 500 million Iowa Values Fund to support infrastructure and incentives for life sciences manufacturing and information services and noted Trans Ova Genetics as an example of industry-led growth.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rod Boshart
Gazette
Iowa
South Dakota
Senate
Stewart Iverson
R-Dows
Mike Gronstal
Council Bluffs
Gronstal
Vilsack
Iowa Values Fund aims to grow state economy with 500 million proposal
Gov. Tom Vilsack's plan would allocate 50 million to life science infrastructure, 50 million to renewable energy, 50 million for statewide Internet access, 100 million for regional development, and 250 million for incentives to develop about 100 companies in life science, agriculture, manufacturing and IT. Blouin says negotiations are early and momentum hinges on action within two months, citing Trans Ova project. Contact: writer at 515 243 7220.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Vilsack
Iowa
State University
Blouin
Iowa Values Fund
New Democratic minority whip to mentor 18 freshmen
Mary Mascher the new Democratic minority whip in Iowa City says she will mentor 18 freshman lawmakers to ease their learning curve in the Legislature. A mentoring program pairs veteran legislators with newcomers to answer how-to questions and help incumbents regain House control.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Q. Lynch
Des Moines
Mary Mascher
Lown City
Mascher
House Democratic Caucus
Dick Myers
Oiona City
House
Frank Chiodo
Department of Economic Development
Weber Elementary
Iowa City
Mixed views on Iowa school merger proposals prompt local tests
Des Moines reports bipartisan leaders oppose mandatory consolidation while welcoming incentives for small districts to share resources. Department of Education Director Stilwill suggests state aid to encourage sharing or consolidation. Community feedback skews pro sharing, with about 30 percent praising the idea from district members and administrators.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Q. Lynch
de Gazette
Des Moines
Department of Education
Ted Stilwill
Stilwill
Vilsack Proposes Medicaid Increase and 500 Million Iowa Values Fund
Governor Vilsack outlines a $40 million Medicaid boost for FY2004 funded from senior living and trust funds along with a $500 million Iowa Values Fund to spur regional economic development. The plan requires budget negotiations with Republicans and Democrats focusing on Medicare Medicaid costs and non tax revenue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vilsack
Iowa
Also Mentioned on This Page
Stairway To
Kevin Wolf
State Law Library
R Batavia
Trans Ova Genetics
Sioux Center
Trans Ova
Senate Economic Development Committee
Hureau
Caucus
Kathy Slaughter
General Assembly
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