Help families first

By The Gazette Editorial Board

-----

We're not big fans of rigid conditions, deal-breakers and lines in the sand when it comes to legislating. The compromises that get things done require some give-and-take.

But we understand why Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, and others in his party are adamant that no major tax initiatives will move at the Statehouse until an increase in Iowa's earned income tax credit is passed and signed by Gov. Terry Branstad.

We strongly support the increase, which actually passed the Senate and House twice last year with heavy bipartisan support. Twice it was vetoed by Branstad, who insisted that the credit wasn't part of comprehensive tax reform and doesn't create jobs. He apparently sees the credit as a bargaining chip in the partisan fight over other tax issues.

But to more than 250,000 working families with household incomes below $45,000, $26 million in tax help is no bargaining chip. It's groceries in the cupboard and gasoline in the tank, purchased from businesses that do create jobs. The bill would raise Iowa's credit from 7 percent to 13 percent of the larger federal credit, created by President Ronald Reagan.

Branstad wants action on tax reform. So do we. But we urge him to sign the earned income credit increase first.

n Comments: thegazette.com/

category/opinion/editorial or

editorial@sourcemedia.net