Newsletter for Thursday, April 4, 2019

Friday, April 5, was the second funnel date where Senate bills must get approval from at least one House committee. This funnel does not apply to Appropriations or Ways and Means bills, and a few other bills that have companions in both chambers. We have begun to work Appropriations bills this week along with all the other policy bills that we passed out.

On Thursday we passed the Fiscal Year 2020 Education Appropriations, House File 758. This bill appropriated $961 million for our Regents schools, Community Colleges, Iowa Tuition Grants, and many other important education programs.

The bill includes a $7 million increase for our Community Colleges which I was proud to support.

Members of the House have heard from their constituents that are concerned with the growth in city and county property taxes, much of it fueled by increased property valuations. House Republicans are developing legislation aimed at giving our citizens greater clarity and control over growth in property taxes.

To read a legislative staff written article: Property Taxes: The Basics of the Budget Limitation Legislation see Rep. Fisher’s column on the tamatoledonews.com website

A copy may also he read in the Chronicle-News-Herald office, 220 W. 3rd, Tama- 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.-0 Mon-Fri.