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Government Policy and Law

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Renters score a victory in Iowa Supreme Court ruling

Landlords cannot charge automatic fees and must pay for repairs of damage not caused by renters, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled last week, Iowa Public Radio reported. The case began in 2011 after University of Iowa student…
By BPC Staff | May 9, 2016
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Water Works resists motion to dismiss in federal nitrate lawsuit

Des Moines Water Works has asked a court to deny three northwest Iowa counties’ motion to dismiss part of the federal lawsuit the utility filed in Sioux City over nitrate pollution in rivers. The counties have …
By BPC Staff | May 9, 2016
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Des Moines City Council to vote on incentives for Hubbell apartments near Wellmark Y

The Des Moines City Council will vote today on whether to support Hubbell Realty Co.’s application for an estimated $914,410 in Iowa workforce housing tax credits, a competitive process that provides approved projects a refund…
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | May 9, 2016
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Study makes recommendations for reforming Iowa’s tax structure

Iowa has the potential to have one of the top 10 tax climates in the United States, according to a new report released by the Future of Iowa Foundation. The foundation, a sister organization to …
By BPC Staff | May 6, 2016
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Partnership lays out its D.C. lobbying agenda

The Greater Des Moines Partnership leads its annual lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., next week where it plans to promote advances in renewable chemicals, immigration, tax credits for alternative energy projects, health care and recreation…
By PERRY BEEMAN | May 4, 2016
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Branstad eyes sales tax for water quality, joins fray as politicians blame each other for inaction

Gov. Terry Branstad told reporters Monday that he might consider approving the 3/8ths of 1 percent sales tax to fund a voter-approved conservation and recreation fund if it were offset by income tax cuts.


Lawmakers…
By PERRY BEEMAN | May 3, 2016
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Grandview Park shelter to be named for former councilman Mahaffey

An enclosed shelter at the city of Des Moines’ Grandview Park will be dedicated in honor of former City Councilman Bob Mahaffey during a ceremony at noon on May 10. Mahaffey served the city for …
By BPC Staff | May 2, 2016
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Legislature adjourns: Wrap of key business topics

  
The Iowa Legislature adjourned late Friday after passing a biorenewable chemical tax credit but failing to do more than status quo spending on water quality.


Now that the legislature has adjourned, here’s an at-a-glance…
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | May 2, 2016
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Iowa cities turn to franchise fees to raise money

Cities around Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, are asking residents to pay more in fees found on natural gas and electric bills as a way of raising money to offset losses from the state’s historic property …
By BPC Staff | Feb 26, 2016
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Regent opposes Johnson County minimum wage at UI

Concerned about adding costs to student debt, Iowa Board of Regents member Larry McKibben said Thursday he would oppose raising the minimum wage at the University of Iowa. A Johnson County ordinance requires incrementally raising …
By BPC Staff | Feb 26, 2016