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Iowa Legislature begins today

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The Iowa Legislature opens its 2015 session today with some familiar issues — how much to spend on education, and whether to raise the gasoline tax– front and center.

 

The fallout of November’s election left the balance of power the same. Democrats still control the Senate, and Republicans run the House of Representatives. Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican, is preparing to lay out his vision for the year in his Condition of the State address Tuesday morning.

 

Business groups are focusing on a number of issues they see as important for economic development. Among them: Establishing a biochemical production tax credit, finding more money for road maintenance, improving access to high-speed Internet services, eliminating sales and use taxes on replacement parts and consumable supplies, and revamping the state income and possibly property tax codes.

 

For those who already are wondering if the lawmakers will wear out their welcome, May 1 marks the 110th day of the session — and the end of per diem payments for legislators. Read more 

 

And for you wonks, the session table can be found here.