Press Releases
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.”