March 28, 2024

Legislative process underway with subcommittee assignments

With the recognition of the Martin Luther King holiday, it was a short week at the statehouse. The legislative process is underway as bills are beginning to receive subcommittee assignments. I have been assigned to SF 2007, which is a bill that promotes communication between the offices of our local courthouses during the budgeting process. I am also on SSB6006, which will save the state of Iowa money by limiting insurance of adult children of state employees. Both bills were put on hold following subcommittee meetings to gather further information.

‘Coupling’ should be given careful consideration

Many constituents have reached out to me in recent days to share concerns in regard to the Iowa Legislature coupling with Section 179 federal tax depreciation changes. In December 2015, the United States Congress approved tax changes that extended many beneficial tax provisions that impact Iowans. Before Iowans can take advantage of these provisions,the Iowa Legislature must review and act to approve these changes into our Iowa tax code — should Iowa couple or conform. In recent years,the bill known as the “coupling” bill has been debated in January at the Statehouse. It is important we act quickly to allow Iowa taxpayers to begin their tax preparation. Over the years, the Iowa Legislature has generally voted to adopt the federal tax changes or-“couple.”

I fully support Iowa businesses and want to couple with Section 179 (changes to how you can depreciate an asset), which could save Iowa taxpayers significantly on their 2015 income taxes and make record keeping easier through allowing for only one depreciation schedule. Iowa’s farmer sand small businesses will be the ones most impacted if the Legislature fails to couple with the federal provisions. Supporting Section 179 works to strengthen Iowa’s economy and to help weather the economic difficulties farmers and small business owners face as a result of the declining commodity markets. Conformity allows Iowans to invest back into Iowa. I will continue to work to address your concerns and find the resources to support conforming with Section 179.

Senate casts first vote of the 2016 legislative session

Wednesday was our first vote of the 2016 legislative session. The bill related to the Meskwaki settlement jurisdiction when it comes to crime. Currently, criminal justice in the Meskwaki settlement is a blend of state and tribal authority as a result of a bill passed in 1948. The bill was originally passed to help law enforcement on settlement land because it did not have the money for its own police force. Since Indian governments have to share their criminal authority with another jurisdiction in Iowa, this has resulted in double prosecution of some members of the reservation by both the Meskwaki nation and Tama County. This bill would return to a system of federal and tribal jurisdiction, used by 75 percent of tribes, and leave the state out of it. I voted in favor of the bill because of the possible savings for Tama County’s law enforcement and judicial system and out of respect for the heritage of people who live there.

Veterans Day on the Hill

Wednesday was Veterans Day on the Hill. This day is a great opportunity to talk to our state’s veterans. It is a great reminder to us to make sure we do everything we can for our veterans to thank them for their service.

I would love to hear your priorities and concerns for this legislative session. With your input, we can work to make the state a better place to work and raise a family. If you or your group would like to meet with me at the Capitol this session, contact me at my email amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov.