Press Releases and Opinions
ITR Urges Legislators to Oppose Gas Tax Increase
Muscatine, IA. -- Iowans for Tax Relief today urged the Iowa Legislature, “Do not raise the gas tax on Iowans at a time when gasoline prices are predicted to spike.”
ITR Urges Strong Limits on Property Taxes
Des Moines, IA. -- Iowans for Tax Relief today “strongly urged the Legislature to listen to the great majority of Iowans who want real property tax relief, and reject the whining of politicians and lobbyists who oppose responsible limits on property taxes.”
Dr. Don Racheter, ITR Government Relations Director, said, “ITR supports the House-passed bill (HF 697) which will protect property taxpayers in three important ways: (1) It will reduce the unfair tax burden on business property and help attract job-creating construction. (2) It will limit the total amount of most city and county property taxes and allow increases only to match inflation, unless the voters approve higher taxes. (3) It will tighten the limit on annual increases of taxable value of Iowa homes and farms, reducing the current 4% limit to 2%.”
“City and county governments should be grateful for these generous limits. They are not asked to take a cut. They can increase their property taxes every year to match the inflation rate (Midwest consumer price index). If even more is needed, the local voters can approve a larger tax increase for up to two years. Local politicians should trust their voters.”
Rob Solt is New President of Iowans for Tax Relief
Muscatine, IA. -- David M. Stanley, Chairman and CEO of Iowans for Tax Relief, announced that Robert H. (Rob) Solt is ITR’s new President and Chief Operating Officer, elected today by the Board of Directors.
Solt has served for 20 years in ITR staff and volunteer roles, including Lobbyist, Treasurer, Vice President, and as Vice Chairman until today. He continues as a member of the Board of Directors. He has served for five years as CEO of Pearl Mutual Funds.
Stanley said, "Rob Solt has the experience, leadership, and vision to help Iowans for Tax Relief win our goals of limited government, lower taxes, and reducing government debt and spending. I have worked closely with Rob since he came to Iowans for Tax Relief in 1991 and he has my total trust and confidence."
Stanley, ITR’s founder, added, "Iowans for Tax Relief began in 1978 with 12 members and has grown to 54,900 members, making ITR the largest pro-taxpayer state organization, per capita, in the country. Rob has had a key role in the growing effectiveness of ITR and knows how to win even more victories for Iowa taxpayers in future years."
The ITR Board of Directors also elected Dr. Donald P. Racheter, a 30-year Board member, as the new Vice Chairman. Daniel G. Steele, Vice President, was elected to the Board of Directors.
The Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Directors are unpaid volunteers.
--End--
Significant Tax Relief Options Item-Vetoed by Governor Branstad
Weeks of work by the Legislature on Senate File 209 is removed in one day
MUSCATINE, IA—Today Governor Branstad item-vetoed two significant tax relief portions of Senate File 209, the tax and spending compromise bill.
Iowans for Tax Relief President Ed Failor, Jr. issued the following statement:
“It is discouraging to see Governor Branstad’s item- vetoes which remove significant tax relief options in place to help Iowa job creators and Iowa families. A bi-partisan group of Legislators have worked for over six weeks on the compromise bill, and it is built with the best intentions for the taxpayers of Iowa.”
Proposed Twenty Percent Income Tax Cut is Good for Iowa Taxpayers
MUSCATINE, IA – Tomorrow, the Iowa House of Representatives is slated to debate House File 194, which is an across the board income tax cut of 20%.
Release: It’s a good start, but Governor Branstad there is more work to be done
The practice of government picking winners and losers still exists in the governor's first budget
MUSCATINE, IA - Today Governor Branstad released his budget to Iowans, and we applaud a number of his points; the two year budget, no property tax increases, no more one-time money spent for on-going expenses, and reducing taxes by nearly $200 million. We commend Governor Branstad's commitment to put a stop to the bad budgeting practices, which Iowans saw with the previous governor. However, some improvement is still necessary.
Release: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to speak at Iowans for Tax Relief PAC Reception
MUSCATINE, IA- Iowans for Tax Relief PAC will host a Taxpayers' Watchdog Reception featuring special guest Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Bachmann represents Minnesota's 6th district and currently sits on the Financial Services Committee.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Iowans for Tax Relief budget savings measures included in Iowa House budget cutting bill.
On Monday, January 10th, the 2011 Session of the Iowa Legislature will convene with new leadership in the Iowa House. The House Republicans, the new majority party in the Iowa House, released the first bill which will be debated; a substantial budget cutting bill titled The Taxpayers First Act. The bill draft, which is available online, is expected to save Iowa taxpayers $481 million over the next three years.
News the Watchdog is Watching…State tax collections increasing.
This week, the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency reported the twelve-month total tax collections for the State of Iowa. The memo, which is available online here, states the following:
Iowa Department of Revenue releases the 2010 Annual Report.
For each State Fiscal Year, the Iowa Department of Revenue produces an annual report on the tax collections and other revenue sources which are administered by the Department. For State Fiscal Year 2010, the Iowa Department of Revenue collected $6,667,024,678 from Iowa taxpayers.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Monthly Iowa unemployment figures released.
The Iowa Department of Workforce Development has released the Iowa Employment Situation figures for the month of November 2010. The Iowa unemployment rate dropped slightly during the month of November, increasing the number of Iowans in the workforce to 1,564,100. The Iowa unemployment rate fell one-tenth of a percent to 6.6%, meaning there are 110,500 Iowans who are out of work. The October 2010 unemployment rate was 6.7% with 111,800 unemployed Iowans.
News the Watchdog is Watching…State and local government debt climbing higher in Iowa.
A recent report released by the Treasurer of the State of Iowa shows combined state and local government debt in Iowa has increased to a total of $12.9 billion, which is an 11.24% increase from last year.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Smaller state government in Iowa expected.
As the start of the 2011 Legislative Session nears, Statehouse Leaders continue to outline priority issues. This week House Speaker-elect, Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) addressed shrinking the state budget. Among the state spending reductions, Speaker-elect Paulsen anticipates ending the Iowa Power Fund and the Grow Iowa Values Fund, as well as trimming the number of state government agencies.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Panel estimates Iowa tax collections to increase; state spending reductions expected.
The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC), a three-member state panel which predicts the estimated amount of tax collections which will be received by the State of Iowa, met Monday, December 6. The panel estimates state coffers will collect $5,791.6 billion, which is an increase of $34.1 million for the current budget, Fiscal Year 2011.
News the Watchdog is Watching…State employee pay agreement needs revisions.
Last month, Governor Culver hastily committed Iowa taxpayers to a new two-year pay agreement with the state's largest employee union. The agreement will allow for pay increases up to fifteen-percent for state government workers over the next two years and will cost Iowans as much as $200 million. This week, Governor-elect Branstad has stated when he takes office in January he would like to reopen the union negotiations on this contract to make revisions, including a possible pay freeze.
Information on Iowa Taxes and Fees Available Online.
Do you want to know how the State of Iowa collects your tax dollars? For taxes administered by the State of Iowa, the Iowa Tax / Fee Descriptions and Rates is available online through the Iowa Department of Revenue. Click here to see the Iowa Tax / Fee Descriptions and Rates.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Today we have more to be thankful for than our pilgrim mothers and fathers who huddled on the edge of the New World that first Thanksgiving Day could ever dream. We should be grateful not only for our blessings, but for the courage and strength of our ancestors which enable us to enjoy the lives we do today."
- President Ronald Reagan, 1982 Thanksgiving Proclamation 4979.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Iowans for Tax Relief President Ed Failor, Jr. on Macs World Live; podcast online.
Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor, Jr. sat down with J. Michael McKoy of Macs World Live and discussed the impact of the November 2, 2010 Election on Iowa and the Nation.
Governor Culver gives “OK” to the proposed 15-percent Union salary increase
MUSCATINE, IA - Governor Culver accepted a proposal with AFSCME, the largest employee union, today. The accepted proposal allows over 50,000 eligible government employees to receive up to a 15-percent pay raise over the next two years. For the first year of this deal it will cost Iowa taxpayers $103.5 million for the salary increases alone.
News the Watchdog is Watching…New report: low-tax states see more growth than high-tax states.
A recent report from the national Americans for Tax Reform shows population growth is faster in low-tax states across the U.S. The study focuses on high-tax states losing Congressional seats compared with low-tax states likely to see an increase of seats in Congress when reapportionment begins in 2011. The growth is due to an increase in population in the low-tax states.
News the Watchdog is Watching…State spending reductions ahead for 2011 Legislative Session.
The 2011 Legislative Session of Iowa Legislature starts January 10, 2011. Leaders in the Statehouse are beginning to lay out priorities for next year, and last week House Republicans announced they plan to make cuts in the state budget for the current year.
News the Watchdog is Watching…State Treasurer’s Office report: $207 million in unclaimed property.
Each year, unclaimed property such as cash, stocks, and other property is turned over to the Office of the Iowa Treasurer. The unclaimed property is from financial institutions, utility companies, and others as lost or abandoned because the institution has been unable to return the property to the owner.
Information on Iowa Taxes and Fees Available Online.
Do you want to know how the State of Iowa collects your tax dollars? For taxes administered by the State of Iowa, the Iowa Tax / Fee Descriptions and Rates is available online through the Iowa Department of Revenue. Click here to see the Iowa Tax / Fee Descriptions and Rates.
Iowa Election Day 2010 Results
The unofficial results of the November 2, 2010 election are available online. Click here to see the unofficial results for Iowa.
Today is Election Day!
Today is Election Day; please take the time to vote! This election is critical to the direction of our great state. The polls are open from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm. If you are unsure of where you vote, you can look up your polling location online here.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Monthly Iowa unemployment figures released.
The Iowa Department of Workforce Development has released the Iowa Employment Situation figures for the month of September 2010. The Iowa Department of Workforce Development has released the Iowa Employment Situation figures for the month of September 2010.
Paul Kern Earns Endorsement of Iowans for Tax Relief PAC
DUBUQUE, IA-Iowans for Tax Relief PAC has endorsed Paul Kern in the General Election on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Iowans for Tax Relief President and Vice President on Macs World Live; podcast online.
Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor, Jr. and Vice President, Katie Koberg sat down with J. Michael McKoy of Macs World Live and discussed the ITR mission, Iowa taxpayers keeping more of their money, and Iowa elections.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Campaign promise sparks income tax discussion.
Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor Jr. spoke with The Des Moines Register about the sizable difference between how much Iowans at income levels above $86,000 send to state government compared to Iowans who earn less than $20,000.
News the Watchdog is Watching…The Des Moines Register agrees with Iowans for Tax Relief on state employee pay and benefits.
"It also costs taxpayers too much," The Des Moines Register editorial, October 12, 2010.
This week, the Register Editorial, "Public employee benefits should be cut," emphasizes the same point which Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor, Jr. has been discussing since last year.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Iowa taxpayers should be wary of panel’s estimated state tax collection increase.
The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC), a three-member state panel which predicts the estimated amount of tax collections received by the State of Iowa, met on Tuesday, October 11. The panel revised the projection for growth in state tax collections to increase by $297.7 million for the current state budget year.
News the Watchdog is Watching…State employee pay scale needs changes.
Iowa's generously compensated state employee pay scale is drawing more attention as the November election draws near. A recent Des Moines Register article reported Terry Branstad will consider restraining the future growth of public employee salaries and requiring state workers to pay part of the cost of health insurance.
News the Watchdog is Watching…More statistics show eliminating state income taxes equal a better economic situation.
In the most recent edition of the Public Interest Institute's LIMITS publication, the primary article, "Abolish State Income Taxes: Statistics show they retard economic growth" makes yet another compelling case for the elimination of state income taxes. This article highlights what the money in the higher tax states is paying for, which is primarily to pay state debt, as well as inflated government-worker salaries and benefits.
News the Watchdog is Watching…Report outlines true cost of Iowa’s generational debt.
The non-partisan Fiscal Services Agency of the Iowa Legislature published a report on Thursday, September 30th, detailing the total debt approved by Governor Culver to finance his I-Jobs Program. The Fiscal Topic reports officially, Iowa taxpayers are on the hook for a total of $1.69 billion as a result of the debt which the Governor approved in 2009 and 2010.
News the Watchdog is Watching…New report shows how federal tax plan will impact Iowa taxpayers.
There is continued speculation on how or if the United States Congress will extend federal tax cuts which are set to expire at the end of this year. Allowing the federal tax cuts, which were enacted in 2001 and 2003, to expire will impact Iowa taxpayers.
News the Watchdog is Watching….Millions of taxpayer dollars spent in secret.
Last year, more than $40 million of Iowa taxpayer dollars were authorized by the state's five-member Executive Council. However, the details on how the $40 million was spent are difficult for Iowans to find on their own.
Release: Iowans for Tax Relief PAC endorses Dave Funk’s bid for Polk County Supervisor
Ed Failor, Jr., President of Iowans for Tax Relief, said, "As President of Iowa's taxpayer watchdog organization, I hear a lot of politicians make empty campaign promises. Dave Funk is different. He has a solid plan to move these promises into action."
News the Watchdog is Watching…Iowa job creation: staying the course will not do.
According to reports this week, Governor Culver's job creation plan for Iowa is to simply stay the course. Unfortunately, the Iowa unemployment rate tells a different story. In figures released on Tuesday, September 21, the number of unemployed Iowans has increased to a total of 114,200 Iowans out of work.
News the Watchdog is Watching… Iowa Department of Revenue Launches Program to Collect Overdue Court Debt
In an attempt for the State of Iowa to boost revenue, the State is currently offering an amnesty program for past due Iowa court fees and fines. The program which began on September 1 and runs through November 30, offers people with Iowa court fines and fees more than four years old debt amnesty. For those who pay 50 percent of their overdue fines and fees in one lump sum, the remaining debt will be forgiven.
News the Watchdog is Watching...Iowa prison construction job may be awarded to out of state contractor.
In 2008, the Iowa Legislature and Governor Culver authorized the construction of a new state prison in Fort Madison. Building the new prison is financed through borrowing $130.7 million, and paid off by court fines and fees. Now, there are reports the construction jobs will be given to out of state workers.
News the Watchdog is Watching...Iowa employers to face another tax increase on January 1, 2011
Earlier this month the Iowa Department of Workforce Development announced the Iowa employer unemployment insurance contribution rate will increase on January 1, 2011. This is an automatic tax increase which will be imposed on Iowa's job creators to keep the Iowa Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvent.
News The Watchdog is Watching...Taxpayers: making fiscally responsible decisions; government should follow suit
Taxpayers: making fiscally responsible decisions; government should follow suit.
Recently, the Principal Financial Well-Being Index was released for the third quarter of 2010, and Americans are taking action to improve their financial situation through spending less money, paying down debt, and saving for emergencies. The index results shows workers and retirees have been making decisions to improve or rebuild their financial security since the recession began.
Governor Culver’s “mistakes” underscore his failed leadership.
Muscatine, IA - Governor Chet Culver told attendees at the Iowa State Fair yesterday he has made some mistakes in his first term as Iowa Governor. Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor, Jr. said today, "Really? Mistakes? Once again Governor Culver is sugar-coating the truth of his inability to lead our great state by calling these massive problems 'mistakes' when they are truly failures of leadership."
Kim Reynolds as the Lieutenant Governor selection is good for Iowa Taxpayers
MUSCATINE, IA- Ed Failor, Jr., President of Iowans for Tax Relief, said today, "The selection of Kim Reynolds for Lieutenant Governor brings forward a fresh new voice in leading Iowa's comeback.
Iowans for Tax Relief PAC Endorses Terry Branstad for Governor
First ever endorsement by ITR PAC in a governor primary
MUSCATINE, IA - Iowans for Tax Relief PAC, sponsored by the 54,900-members Iowans for Tax Relief organization, today announced its endorsement of Terry Branstad for Governor in the June 8 Republican primary. This is the first time in ITR PAC's history it has endorsed a candidate for governor in a primary.
I-JOBS Contract With Frew Nations Group Needs Review
Management contract with Governor Culver's outgoing Chief-of Staff, John Frew, needs review
MUSCATINE, IA-Ed Failor, Jr., President of Iowans for Tax Relief, delivered the letter below today to W. Charles Smithson, Executive Director and Legal Counsel of the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, to request a review of Governor Culver's Chief-of-Staff Mr. John Frew and his company Frew Nations Group.
Tuesday (tomorrow) Ed Failor, Jr. is speaking with Governor Pataki in Des Moines
ALERT!!! Ed Failor, Jr., President of Iowans for Tax Relief, and Governor George Pataki, will be speaking together in the movement to Repeal Obamacare on Tuesday, April 20 at 12:15pm at the Des Moines Embassy Suites at 101 East Locust Street.
3 Things to Know About Saturday’s Iowa Taxpayers’ Day
1)Twitter Event Hashtag #itrtaxday 2)Event Line Up 3)Upcoming Media Interviews
Iowa Taxpayers' Day is hosted by Iowans for Tax Relief on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Holiday Inn Northwest at 4800 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines. (Map)
Join us at Iowa Taxpayers’ Day on Saturday
Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 3:00pm- 5:00pm at the Merle Hay Holiday Inn
Saturday is Iowa Taxpayers' Day!
RELEASE: Fort Dodge City Officials Irresponsibly Spending Taxpayer Dollars
MUSCATINE, IA - Taxpayers of Fort Dodge are being disregarded and disrespected by city officials who decided to allow city employees to take paid time off to support the proposed Diamond Jo casino in front of Iowa Racing and Gaming officials on Wednesday.
Kathie Obradovich is the M.C. for the 2010 Iowa Taxpayers’ Day and Eric Cooper has joined the lineup of Governor Candidate speakers
MUSCATINE, IA-Iowans for Tax Relief announced today Kathie Obradovich, political columnist for the Des Moines Register, will be the Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) at the 2010 Iowa Taxpayers' Day on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel Northwest in Des Moines.
Governor Tim Pawlenty and four Iowa candidates for Governor will speak at the 2010 Iowa Taxpayers’ Day
MUSCATINE, IA-Iowans for Tax Relief announced today the line up for the 2010 Iowa Taxpayers' Day on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Northwest in Des Moines. The keynote speaker is Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty who is also the Vice Chair of the Republican Governors Association. Also speaking at the event will be the following candidates for Iowa Governor; Terry Branstad, Jonathan Narcisse, Rod Roberts, and Bob Vander Plaats.
RELEASE: Protect Federal Deductibility And Fix The Budget
DES MOINES, IA-Today Iowans for Tax Relief showed continued growing support from Iowans to protect federal deductibility and support the introduction of nine budget saving solutions by state legislators.
State Budget Savings Measures
On Monday, the Iowa Legislature will convene for the 2010 Legislative Session, and Iowans across the state will hold their breath, waiting to see if Governor Culver and Legislators will increase taxes. Iowans are all painfully aware the state budget is in terrible shape with a billion-dollar spending gap.
Opinion: Curb illegal immigration; curb state spending.
In less than one month, the Iowa Legislature will return to Des Moines for the 2010 Legislative Session, and lawmakers will face the largest budget gap in state history, adding up to more than one billion dollars. How Governor Culver and our Legislators choose to manage this financially devastating budget mess will shape our state for years to come. It is time to look at every single area of state spending.
Opinion: Time to Change and Consolidate State Government
While the economy continues to struggle, state lawmakers have a rare and valuable opportunity for major change and reform within state government. Governor Culver and Iowa Legislators must not pass up this chance to completely change the way the State of Iowa does business. There is no better time to evaluate and make state government better for Iowa taxpayers.
Opinion: Stronger Spending Limit Would Save Iowa Taxpayers Millions
Iowa taxpayers were dealt another crushing blow last week when the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Services Division announced the state is facing a budget gap totaling more than one billion dollars. This number estimates the amount by which state spending will exceed expected tax revenues. There is no doubt, the Iowa budget is in bad shape - but there is a way out of budget chaos.
RELEASE: Agreement is a good first step, but it does not fix the real problem
Yesterday, the Iowa state employee union approved the agreement offered by Governor Culver for a short-term employee pay reduction for the next seven months instead of laying off over 750 workers in Iowa.
Opinion: Combine Iowa Regent Universities
As I continue to suggest ideas for Governor Culver and the Iowa Legislature to consider for budget savings, I have thought about one of the slogans of our great state "Iowa: Fields of Opportunity." There could not be a more appropriate slogan for our state. The economic crisis Iowa is facing continues to provide our lawmakers with indeed, fields of opportunity.
Opinion: Moving Iowa forward, sell state prisons to private-sector
The work of government taking and spending your money is endless, and state leaders continue to nibble around the edges. Governor Culver has taken a one-size fits all approach to correcting the state budget instead of looking for ways to make Iowa a better run state.
Opinion: Charge for state employee health insurance
Last week, the possibility of renegotiating the current state employee pay contract was discussed by Governor Culver. However, neither the Governor nor the employee unions have stated they intend to reopen the current contract, an action which should happen without delay.
Opinion: How to slow government growth? End taxpayer-funded lobbying.
It is time the State of Iowa begins to do business differently, and end the practice of allowing state employees to lobby lawmakers on spending issues.
There is a difference between proactive and reactive leadership
MUSCATINE, IA-With the release of the much anticipated state budget department reductions it is clear they continue to follow the same lazy and reactive example of Governor Culver's thoughtless across-the-board cuts.
Opinion: State layoffs not necessary; align state worker pay with private sector
Just over a week ago, Governor Culver implemented an across the board cut of $564.5 million as a knee-jerk reaction to the state spending problem. Since the announcement, state agencies have begun to announce how many Iowans they plan to layoff due to the Governor's action.
Opinion: We have a unique opportunity to make Iowa an even better state
With the news state coffers are $415 million short for 2010 and $1 billion short for 2011, it is time real solutions are offered to lift our great state out of the deep financial downturn. Governor Culver is offering quick-fix solutions such as cutting all state agencies across the board, by the same percentage, because it "avoids the unfair and unrealistic 'picking and choosing' of important programs" as he stated in Executive Order 19. [i] The job of an executive is to make the tough decisions because it is the right thing to do, not because there is an easier option.
Iowans for Tax Relief Launches Re-Designed Website
MUSCATINE, IA—Iowans for Tax Relief launched their re-designed website today at www.taxrelief.org. The organization, with more than 54,900 members, led the defeat of the bill to repeal federal deductibility in early 2009 and the website was a tremendous tool to distribute information and add members.
Iowa Deficit = $161 million. The largest government budget in Iowa history can't be paid for this year.
MUSCATINE, IA - State Fiscal Year 2009 closed yesterday (June 30) with a massive deficit.
Governor Culver is Back at it Again! Forcing Iowans to pay a tax on a tax is agenda item number one
MUSCATINE, IA - Governor Culver is back at it again. This weekend he put the bill to force Iowans to pay a tax on a tax on the top of his agenda, unless he hears from Iowans who are firmly against the proposal.
Legislative Session Ends with NO Change to Federal Deductibility!
MUSCATINE, IA-The Iowa Legislature has come to a close for 2009 with no action on the bill to repeal Federal Deductibility which would have forced Iowans to pay a tax on a tax.
RELEASE: Federal Deductibility elimination is topic of secret negotiations at the Iowa Capitol!
MUSCATINE, IA-- As the final days of the 2009 Legislative Session are unfolding, secret meetings with arm twisting and horse trading, are being led by House Democrat leaders. All of this is being done in a last ditch effort to make every Iowa taxpayer pay a tax on a tax by eliminating Federal Deductibility.
Article-- Federal Deductibility: Freddie Krueger or Fredo
It has been nearly three weeks since Democrat leaders began their attack on the right of Iowa taxpayers to deduct their federal taxes on their Iowa return. Where does the fight stand today?
Peel the layers back…and the bill to repeal federal deductibility stinks
MUSCATINE, IA-- The bill to force Iowans to pay a tax on a tax has new budget projections. A 'fiscal note' on the bill to repeal federal deductibility in Iowa was published by the Legislative Services Agency on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. The analysis shows in four of the next five years the bill will force Iowans to pay higher taxes.
Debate is Scheduled to Repeal Federal Deductibility
MUSCATINE, IA - The bill which forces Iowans to pay a tax on a tax is scheduled for debate in the Iowa House on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. We are asking Iowans to return to the Capitol at 10:00am to be part of the action.
Iowa taxpayers being bullied into paying more and more taxes?
MUSCATINE, IA-The bill which forces Iowans to pay a tax on a tax changes, but essentially stays the same. The new amendment which House Democrat leaders filed on Wednesday in an effort to improve House File 807 is still bad for Iowa taxpayers.
Have Taxpayer's Been Kicked out of the Conversation, Again?
MUSCATINE, IA-One week after Speaker Murphy kicked over 650 Iowans out of a public hearing on the bill to force Iowans to pay a tax on a tax, and had them escorted out by State Troopers, they continue the secret closed-door meetings. According to statements from legislative leaders a deal has been made between Governor Culver and House Democrats. Yet, no one has the details, and day after day, public debate on federal deductibility has been cancelled.
No Tax on a Tax Debate for Thursday POSTPONED
Dear Friends-
Great news...we have just learned that the Democrat Leadership in the Iowa House has cancelled debate tomorrow on the bill to force you to pay a tax on a tax. This means we do not need you to travel to the State Capitol Thursday, April 2. This is a small victory for us, as typically, this action would indicate as of tonight Speaker Murphy does not have the votes to repeal federal deductibility.
We must remain vigilant. We need you to continue contacting your Legislators and Governor Culver to remind them it is not fair to pay a tax on a tax. If federal deductibility is repealed over 490,000 Iowa taxpayers will see a tax increase, not to mention that of those 180,000 people make less than $40,000 per year.
We will continue fighting for you, and we are not taking anything for granted until House File 807, the bill to force you to pay a tax on a tax, is officially dead and we have taken back the People's House.
Your financial support is more critical than ever so we can continue airing on message of "No Tax on a Tax" on television and radio stations across Iowa. If you are able to support our efforts, please make a secure online donation to Iowans for Tax Relief today by clicking "Contribute" on this page.
Sincerely,
Ed Failor, Jr.
President
Iowans for Tax Relief
RELEASE: IOWA TAXPAYERS KICKED OUT OF THEIR OWN STATE CAPITOL
To view Iowans for Tax Relief in the media click here http://www.taxrelief.org/pages/media
MUSCATINE, IA—Last night, Iowans for Tax Relief, stood strong with 600+ Iowa taxpayers at the State Capitol to participate in a public hearing concerning proposed legislation that would repeal federal deductibility in Iowa. Federal deductibility allows Iowans the ability to deduct the taxes they pay to the federal government on their state income tax form.
RELEASE: ITR Launches “No Tax on a Tax” television and Radio commercials
To view Iowans for Tax Relief in the media click here http://www.taxrelief.org/pages/media
MUSCATINE, IA-Today, Iowans for Tax Relief, announced a media blitz comprised of paid television and radio advertisements in Iowa. The advertisements call on all Iowans to contact their State Legislators and urge them to protect federal deductibility.
RELEASE: Speakers at the public hearing to repeal federal deductibility in the Iowa House tonight
MUSCATINE, IA-Today the Iowa House is holding a public hearing from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on the bill to repeal federal deductibility and force Iowans to pay a tax on a tax. The rules allow for a maximum of 45 speakers for and against the bill, House Study Bill 284, now House File 807.
RELEASE: Forcing Iowans to Pay a Tax on a Tax is Unfair.
MUSCATINE, IA-- On Thursday, March 26, 2009 Iowa Democrat Legislative Leaders unveiled their plan to repeal Iowa's federal deductibility law. On Monday, March 30, 2009 at 12:30pm the House Ways and Means Committee will vote to force Iowans to pay a tax on a tax.
RELEASE: Iowa Taxpayer Transparency Act wins approval in the Iowa House
Iowa Taxpayer Transparency Act wins approval in the Iowa House
MUSCATINE, IA-- Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor, Jr., made the following statement today regarding the 96-3, 1 absent, vote in the Iowa House to approve the Iowa Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2009.
Release: Iowa Budget Gets Grounded After Soaring Sky High
Muscatine, IA-- The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met today and as expected they lowered the estimate of tax dollars coming into state coffers by $130 million for 2009 and $270 million for 2010. The economic slowdown is impacting Iowa taxpayers and businesses. Iowans have felt the pinch for the past few months, yet unfortunately government continues to spend at a record pace.
Ask the right questions of Governor’s plan for 30,000 jobs
MUSCATINE, IA-Governor Culver released details on his plan to borrow $750 million last week. In the plan he touts the way to create jobs in Iowa is to borrow $750 million this year alone to be repaid over the next twenty years. Governor Culver has stated this plan will create an estimated 4,000 jobs for every $100 million borrowed. His calculations then show borrowing $750 million would create 30,000 new jobs for only one year.
STATEMENT: Iowans for Tax Relief Claims First Legislative Victory of 2009
MUSCATINE, IA-Ed Failor, Jr., President of Iowans for Tax Relief, claims the first legislative victory of 2009 for Iowa taxpayers. On Wednesday afternoon the House State Government Committee unanimously approved the Iowa Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2009. This means the bill made it through the first legislative funnel and is now eligible for debate by the full Iowa House.
Iowans for Tax Relief Announces Auditor David Vaudt as the 2009 Watchdog Award Winner
MUSCATINE, IA—Today Iowans for Tax Relief President, Ed Failor, Jr., presented State Auditor David Vaudt with the 2009 Watchdog Award. Iowans for Tax Relief has over 53,000 members statewide and works to help make sure taxpayers hold state elected officials accountable for spending and tax increases.
Iowa Senate Democrats Propose Elimination of Federal Deductibility
MUSCATINE, IA-Today Iowa Senate Democrats held their weekly press conference and Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) told members of the press they are debating a measure to eliminate federal deductibility this year.
Iowans for Tax Relief President Ed Failor, Jr. releases a statement on property tax increases for next year in Governor Culver’s budget
MUSCATINE, IA-Two major property tax increases are in Governor Culver's budget released yesterday.
Iowans for Tax Relief President Ed Failor, Jr. releases a statement on property tax increases for next year in Governor Culver’s budget
MUSCATINE, IA-Two major property tax increases are in Governor Culver's budget released yesterday
Mourning the Loss of Senator Richard Drake
The staff and board members of Iowans for Tax Relief mourn the loss of long-time Muscatine County State Legislator, Richard Drake.
“The passing of Senator Richard Drake is a humbling note in Iowa politics. In his thirty-eight years of service he was a great friend of the taxpayer. Senator Drake earned the trust of the voters by protecting the family budget before the state budget. The loss of Richard Drake is the loss of a true statesman. Our prayers go out to Shirley Jean and the rest of the Drake family,” said Jeffrey Boeyink, President of Iowans for Tax Relief.
Boeyink to Culver: “Do Your Homework Governor. Iowans Strongly Support Keeping Federal Deductibility.”
MUSCATINE, IA. – Jeffrey Boeyink, President of Iowans for Tax Relief, today asked Governor Chet Culver to rethink his recent statement in favor of complete elimination of Iowans’ right to fully deduct the amount they pay in federal income taxes on their Iowa tax return (Cedar Rapids Gazette, 1-6-08). Boeyink said, “Do your homework Governor. Iowans strongly support keeping federal deductibility.”