Dallas Center Mayor Resigns
(Dallas Center, IA) — The mayor of Dallas Center has resigned. Mayor Bret Van De Pol sent a letter to city officials on Thursday, saying the demands of the role have taken him away from his career and family. He also says hostility and conflict involved in the role have made him concerned about the safety of himself and his family. Van De Pol’s last day as mayor was Friday. Mayor Pro Tem Angie Beaudet is serving as interim mayor until a decision is made about filling the position.
Legislative Committee To Meet Today And Negotiate Set Of Immigration Policies
(Iowa) — An Iowa legislative committee is expected to meet today to try and reach an agreement on a set of immigration policies. Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that requires all Iowa schools to verify that employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S. The House later amended the bill to require the state to use the federal E-Verify and SAVE databases to confirm work eligibility, but the Senate rejected those changes. A committee of ten lawmakers from both chambers and both parties is meeting Monday to negotiate.
Iowa House Republicans Introduce Compromise Property Tax Reform Bill
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa House Republicans say they’ve introduced a compromise property tax reform bill that includes elements of the Senate and Governor’s versions, despite the legislate session ending tomorrow. The bill would include a two-percent cap on local property taxes increases. It would also change the current homestead tax credit to a tax exemption, and triple that to 15-thousand dollars for each homeowner. Roughly 175 million-dollars would then be directed to lower the 540 school levies currently paid by all property owners. Lawmakers won’t get paid after the session ends tomorrow, and they also still haven’t finalized a budget for next year.
Voting Open Until Wednesday To Decide Top 8 In Coolest Thing Made In Iowa Contest
(Iowa) — Voting will be open through Wednesday to decide the top eight in the Coolest Thing Made In Iowa Contest. Sixteen products have been matched up in the bracket style contest, including Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey, Gushers, a garden hose, and a gun safe, all made in Iowa. Voting is open to the public on CoolestThingIA-dot-com. Each person can vote once per 24 hours for each matchup.
