The Iowa
State of
Eighty-First General Assembly
STATEHOUSE
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Steenhoek
Thursday, March 9, 2006 (515) 281-6571
Republicans Urge Senate Democrats to Support
Eminent Domain and Senior Tax Relief Legislation
Both
Bills Approved with More than 80 Votes in House
DES MOINES – Republican lawmakers today donned stickers saying “The 80’s are Alive” to show their support for two bills that each passed the Iowa House earlier this session with more than 80 votes.
The first bill, HF 2351,
protects private property rights by restricting the use of eminent domain for
economic development. The second bill,
HF 2045, provides tax relief for seniors by phasing out the state tax on pension
and Social Security income over five years.
The legislation also ends all state income taxes on individuals age 65
or older who earn less than $36,000 and couples making less than $48,000.
“The House approved each of these bills with more than 80 votes,” said Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson (R-Clarion). “Senate Republicans want to see these proposals stay alive in the Senate. We need the help of Senate Democrats to keep them alive.”
“The House has done its work,” said House Speaker
Christopher Rants (
On Feb. 15, House members voted 83 to 15 in favor of the eminent domain restrictions. The pension and Social Security tax phase out was approved in the House on Jan. 31 by a vote of 81 to 18.
“These are good bills that were given broad, bipartisan support in the House,” said House Majority Leader Chuck Gipp (R-Decorah). “We would like to see them receive broad, bipartisan support in the Senate as well.”
“By eliminating the tax on pensions and Social Security
benefits, we can help keep seniors in
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