From the ground up

By: 
Dan Zumbach
Iowa State Senator, 48th Dist.

     We completed week three of the Session and it was a very busy week with a lot of action in the Statehouse.

     I’ve hosted two subcommittee bill meetings last week.

     The first bill pertained to language changes that allow two agencies to work together, saving your tax dollars. These minor changes can save thousands of dollars so they can share resources.

     The second bill relates to prohibiting the use of automated traffic law enforcement systems by the Department of Transportation.

     In this subcommittee meeting we heard from police officers, insurance lobbyists, concerned neighborhood citizens, and others. This bill has now been approved and sent to committee for further consideration. A number of amendments may be proposed, however, I stand by the public safety improvements of this bill. My primary concern is to improve safety on all roads across Iowa.

     The big action in the Senate this week has been the legislation to pass a de-appropriation of funds for our current budget year. Senate Republicans worked tirelessly on the Governor’s original proposal of adjustments to the current budget. This bill passed the Senate with a majority vote of 28-19 and now moves to the House of Representatives.

     This correction was very difficult and we worked hard to ease the burden on the departments directly affected.

     Through budget negotiations with the House of Representatives and the Governor, an agreement was reached to balance the state budget without coupling the state tax code with federal changes for the 2016 tax year. Difficult discussions in the Senate produced the final decisions. None of us were able to come up with an exact resolution that we individually wanted, but the end result is the best solution for Iowa at this time.

     Please continue your faith in the task you have sent us here to do. Tax reform is a top priority for Senate Republicans. One issue which will be under consideration will be making coupling changes permanent. Our job creators, farmers, teachers, and all constituents deserve having certainty when they make decisions. 

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