Filing Deadline is Today
Literally hundreds of Republicans have filed for U.S. Senate and House, and Iowa Senate and House. Our Republican leadership has recruited tremendous candidates for these positions. In all, we have 24 candidates for the Iowa Senate and more than 80 running for the Iowa House.
These candidates will need your help in order to be successful this fall. Please take the time to contact them and offer your assistance. A full roster can be found here: http://www.sos.state.ia.us/pdfs/staff/primcandlist.pdf.
If you would like to run for a county office, it’s not too late. The deadline for filing is March 26. Please contact your county auditor for more information!
Senate Republicans’ Stimulus Proposal
Senate Republicans this week enacted a key provision of their economic stimulus plan by passing legislation that allows federal rebate checks to be accepted tax-free. Senate Republicans are currently working on other portions of their stimulus package as well.
One component of their plan is a proposal that extends Iowa’s tax-free weekend through Sunday, and lifts the restriction of only clothes being tax free during these days. For example, a family of four will receive a stimulus check of $1,800 from the federal government. Allowing this money to be spent tax-free adds 6 percent, or an extra $108, to spend on clothes, school supplies or a new computer.
Additionally, over the next five years Iowa is expected to see a skilled workforce training deficit of 150,000 workers. In their plan, Senate Republicans call for a job training program that will address the projected shortage.
Finally, Senate Republicans want Iowans to improve the value of their homes by exempting any improvements made to an Iowan’s home for the next five years from taxation.
Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to stand in the way on these last three provisions.
Have a great weekend -
Stew
