Property tax breaks not worth the loss of state revenue

Gov. Kim Reynolds said the state is cutting $100 million dollars in taxes to help seniors and vets. When I read that a chunk of $100 million dollars is coming my way, I had to check it out. I called the Johnson County Assessor’s Office to find out what I would rake in for being over 65 and a homeowner. I am 78.

I learned that I will get a $100 tax break this year and a $200 tax break next year. So I will save $8.34 a week this year and $16.70 the following years.

This money will have little impact on my budget. But cutting $100 million from a state budget means some departments, somewhere in Iowa, might be taking a hit.

I would rather see the folks forced to work for food stamps get my money. It would help them much more than it will help my wife and I.

I wouldn’t deny a veteran any tax savings. They deserve every penny. But how much money did it cost the state to give people over 65, who own homes, $8.34 a week for one year?

It just seems that poor folks could benefit much more than us older homeowners when you are giving out money to Iowans.

I don’t need a new pickle ball racket. Give my share to a homeless guy in Des Moines for medical care, mental health care and food.

John Humphrey

North Liberty