Ed's earlier piece on this got about 49,000 views when I posted it to a subreddit--https://www.reddit.com/r/Iowa/s/flx1Lm1ENu — taxes certainly touched some nerves.
Today's piece is worthwhile for its emphasis that the Iowa Proposed Amendment 1 doesn't lock in low taxes; it locks in whose taxes rise next--unfairly on the backs of working-class and low-income Iowans.. Once income tax is supermajority-proof (under the amendment), the sales tax becomes the primary lever left — meaning future roads (gas tax), Medicaid shortfalls, school funding, or disaster/flood relief all get financed by consumption taxes, hitting working-class and lower earners hardest while the wealthy stay protected.
Wasn’t Iowans for Tax Relief started years ago by David Stanley to oppose all taxes of all types? How did they now change their mission to support sales tax increases?
In 1999, the amendment proposal included sales taxes. This time, it was intentionally left out. Why? Because they know they'll need the money, and this amendment would guarantee a sales tax increase. Not an income tax increase on the wealthy and corporations.
I'd think most Iowans would want the amendment as proposed. Iowa has had punitive tax rates for years. The Republican led legislature has helped to dramatically cut tax rates and incentivize investment. This amendment should be codified regardless of not having a provision relative to sales tax rates. If the Democrats take control then they can address sales taxes at that time. You can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes... There you have it; one man's opinion.
Ed's earlier piece on this got about 49,000 views when I posted it to a subreddit--https://www.reddit.com/r/Iowa/s/flx1Lm1ENu — taxes certainly touched some nerves.
Today's piece is worthwhile for its emphasis that the Iowa Proposed Amendment 1 doesn't lock in low taxes; it locks in whose taxes rise next--unfairly on the backs of working-class and low-income Iowans.. Once income tax is supermajority-proof (under the amendment), the sales tax becomes the primary lever left — meaning future roads (gas tax), Medicaid shortfalls, school funding, or disaster/flood relief all get financed by consumption taxes, hitting working-class and lower earners hardest while the wealthy stay protected.
Wasn’t Iowans for Tax Relief started years ago by David Stanley to oppose all taxes of all types? How did they now change their mission to support sales tax increases?
In 1999, the amendment proposal included sales taxes. This time, it was intentionally left out. Why? Because they know they'll need the money, and this amendment would guarantee a sales tax increase. Not an income tax increase on the wealthy and corporations.
Very thoughtful and helpful.
I'd think most Iowans would want the amendment as proposed. Iowa has had punitive tax rates for years. The Republican led legislature has helped to dramatically cut tax rates and incentivize investment. This amendment should be codified regardless of not having a provision relative to sales tax rates. If the Democrats take control then they can address sales taxes at that time. You can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes... There you have it; one man's opinion.
You haven’t commented for a while, Mike. Always glad to hear your perspective.
It's Summer and I've been cycling across KS then camping in Montana. We'll soon be sparing again. LOL