Commercial property taxation is getting more attention as the Iowa Legislature heads toward the finish line, and once again we’re wondering whether any action will be taken. The conversation has gone on for years. And it is a conversation, rather than a debate, because everyone seems to agree that the taxes are too high relative to those in other states.

A Democratic plan was passed by the Senate last week, but the Senate Republicans are still pushing a different version. The governor has his own proposal.

It’s a poker game, with bets being pushed to the center of the table, but the players need to remember that this game is being played for the spectators. The taxpayers need someone to win this thing, rather than seeing everyone fold and go home for another year.

Both Senate plans have the same central feature: a tax relief fund that would start with $50 million and grow from there. The Democrats would tie that growth to increases in state revenues. The Republicans would go ahead and make the commitment to build it to $200 million in four years without regard to revenues.

Gov. Terry Branstad’s plan is to lower the commercial property tax rate immediately and spend $250 million in the next five years to make up the difference.

The three approaches are not radically different, and any one of them is probably worth a try.

A bigger question is, what will we get for our money? The Democratic plan came across as timid, offering an example of a commercial property tax credit worth $600 for any property valued at $30,000 or more, including big-box stores valued at more than a million dollars.

Everybody could use $600, but not many businesses will live or die – or decide to locate in Iowa – because of it.

So rather than squabbling over methodology, let’s focus on the effect. We’ve waited a long time, so when we make our choice, let’s make an impact.