House tax plan protects residents, businesses

I was dismayed to read Sen. Joe Bolkcom's June 22 letter regarding property tax proposals in the Legislature. Bolkcom insists on partisan rhetoric and half-truths. Let's get back to the facts.

Iowa property taxes are rising faster than the rate of inflation. Recently, the two biggest reasons property ere due to not fully funding increases to K-12 education at the state level. This decision was made by Gov. Chet Culver and Democrats in 2010. They also decided to underfund property tax credits. The state must honor its commitments or not make them.

Instead of working out differences, Bolkcom simply criticized any Republican plan.

With the recent tax increases in Illinois, we have an opportunity to encourage businesses already here to stay, and help attract new businesses. We need businesses of all sizes to start hiring again. The commercial property tax class is made up of many types of businesses where Iowans not only work, but patronize on a regular basis. The House plan not only helped this class of property, but also residential property.

The House plan protects residential taxpayers by honoring commitments and picking up more of the school foundation formula. This is property tax relief across all classes, something the Senate plan fails to do.

The House plan addresses inequity that exists between commercial property tax classes, which helps all commercial and industrial classes of property, not just a chosen few. Stop the partisan bickering and work together to put Iowans back to work.

Rep. Thomas Sands

Chair, House Ways and Means

Wapello