(Des Moines, IA) — Democrats on a House committee joined Republicans in voting 22-0 for the House G-O-P’s latest tax plan. It features more than two dozen tax changes, but notably does not include using state tax dollars rather than county property taxes to support Iowa’s mental health system. Senate Republicans and Governor Reynolds back that move, but House Republicans say it’s a big policy shift that needs more work. The House is planning to debate some state budget plans today (Thursday) and perhaps tomorrow, but there’s no universal agreement on state spending among Republicans in the House and Senate. Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls from Coralville said there is no ending in sight for the 2021 legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver has said Senate Republicans want to resolve the tax impasse before making final decisions on the state budget plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st.
