Property tax reform provides bold solution

Iowa businesses deserve property-tax reform this legislative session. The key to spurring more economic growth and job creation sits in the Iowa Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal will not consider the bill passed by the House that would dramatically improve Iowa's economy.

The Iowa Chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP-IA) and our membership of more than 19,000 activists demand and support bold, permanent and meaningful property tax reform.

Gronstal is not interested in the bold solutions offered in the House bill. He would much rather “take small steps” as he said on Iowa Press. Our struggling businesses and unemployed residents deserve big ideas for big problems.

He has inaccurately described the plan as “the biggest tax shift in the history of the state.” His calculations are blatantly deceptive when he said it would punish homeowners.

The property tax plan that passed the House received Gov. Terry Branstad's support because it provides relief to businesses, farmers and homeowners. This plan will prevent a $1.2 billion tax increase over the next eight years on all classes of property. Homeowners will avoid a tax hike of more than a half of a billion dollars.

That is the type of bold solution our economy needs to get back on track.

Mark J. Lucas

Iowa State Director

Americans for

Prosperity

Iowa City