Iowans for Tax Relief President Chris Ingstad spoke at Governor Kim Reynolds’s recent public budget hearing. Below is some of what he said:
Income Tax Cuts
“While those healthy ending balances are nice, they might also be a sign that the state should find an opportunity to return some of that money back to the taxpayer in the form of lower income tax rates. A blueprint for that already exists in the future tax cuts that were promised in 2018’s reform. Our members would appreciate seeing those future cuts implemented sooner rather than later.”
Spending Restraint
“As the work for crafting next year’s budget now begins in earnest, we’d encourage the Governor and the legislature to keep several things in mind. The first is that while there are many reasons to be optimistic about the state’s economy, there are also many reasons to exercise caution. Budgeting to spend less than the mandatory 99% limit would be helpful in the event that potential economic risks come to fruition.”
Occupational Licensing
“As a state with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, it is time Iowa makes entering the job market easier for both current and potential residents by making reforms to our occupational licensing system. Occupational licenses protecting the health and well-being of citizens make sense and are practical. But there are reforms taking place across the country that Iowa should consider. These could include a review of existing licensing requirements, universal recognition for license holders outside of Iowa, a fee waiver for Iowans below a certain income level, and criminal justice reforms- once people have paid their dues to society, let’s map out a thoughtful path that makes it easier for them to re-enter the workforce.”
Regulatory Reform
“We have a member who operates her family’s apple orchard. Frankly, nothing could be more truly Iowan than growing and selling food. Yet this family is subject to different sets of fees and regulations depending on where they sell those products they grow themselves, whether that be at the store on their farm, out of a food truck, or at a farmer’s market. It is important for the public to be protected, but too many regulations drive up the cost and complexity of doing business.”
