2016 Legislature convenes
PERRY BEEMAN Jan 11, 2016 | 4:45 pm
1 min read time
244 wordsAll Latest News, Government Policy and LawThe Iowa Legislature reconvened at 10 a.m today in a session that is expected to feature debate over a tax break for the production of high-value chemicals from biofuel byproducts.
Lawmakers also are expected to spar over education after last year’s overtime session ended with Gov. Terry Branstad vetoing lawmakers’ pact on aid for school districts — a perennial and powerful disagreement among the parties that is expected to color this year’s deliberations.
Lawmakers also will consider proposals to improve water quality, including Branstad’s suggestion that the state extend a sales tax meant for school projects and use part of the added future proceeds for voluntary conservation projects. That idea already has met resistance from both parties.
The proposed tax credits for the production of various chemicals, including lubricants and ingredients for food products and perfumes, passed in the House of Representatives twice last year but stalled in the Senate, where questions about costs to state coffers remained. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal has said the idea to offer the tax credits within the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s current tax credit allotment is likely to get attention.
Lawmakers will be asked to consider a variety of proposals to help build Iowa’s workforce, including the possibility of requiring computer science instruction for high school graduation.
Gov. Branstad is set to give his Condition of the State address at 10 a.m Tuesday. Iowa PublicTelevision will carry it live.
Get calendar details and links to live audio and video online.
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