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The Conservative Reader:
Iowa

Update:  Repeal of Federal Deductibility is tax increase in every tax bracket!

Yesterday’s newsletter addressed the Democrat proposal to eliminate federal deductibility; a tool that allows Iowans to deduct our federal income taxes from our ordinary income prior to calculating our income for state taxes.   This is the largest, and in some cases the only, tax deduction available to many hardworking Iowans. 

Last night the House Ways & Means Committee passed out the proposal on a party line vote.  14 Democrats voted aye – 11 Republicans voted no.   House File 807 is the new bill number as the bill moves forward and becomes eligible for debate in the House.

After having additional time to study the proposal, we have discovered exactly what we expected: more Iowans than originally stated are going to see a tax increase.  It is disheartening to hear this explained to Iowa’s taxpayers as a tax cut for two-thirds of Iowans.  The facts tell us– it is not.  

Under the Democrats’ proposal, 50.9 percent of Iowans will either see no change in their tax liability or see a tax increase in 2009.  40% of the individuals receiving a tax increase make less than $40,000 per year.  69% of the individuals receiving a tax increase make less than $70,000 per year.  See the breakdown of HF 807 at http://iowahouserepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/09-feddeductibility-finalversion.pdf.

And believe it or not, over 10% of the individuals receiving a tax decrease in 2009 make over $100,000 per year.  Based on the discussion last night in committee it appears to be hit or miss as to who the real winners and losers are.

Additionally, the Democrats have failed to inform Iowans about the implications of their proposal in 2011.   On December 31, 2010, the federal tax relief of 2001 and 2003 will expire. It appears now that Iowans’ federal income tax liability will increase by $160 – $180 million.  This means that you’ll lose the ability to deduct your federal taxes less than two years before your federal taxes are set to dramatically increase.

Finally, the Democrats’ proposal has the potential to put Iowa small businesses in an even deeper hole.  Because many Iowa small businesses are structured as individual tax payers they too will see their taxes increase.   The way many of these businesses will try to absorb this cost is by eliminating jobs or by passing the added expense onto the consumer.   Either way, our struggling economy will continue to suffer under this plan.  

Make no mistake this bill is a tax increase on Iowans in all tax brackets from day one.  And within a few years it will result in a huge tax increase for almost every single Iowan.

When this bill is considered by the legislature, House Republicans will fight on behalf of all taxpayers and their ability to keep more of their hard earned dollars.

PUBLIC HEARING: Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Location: House of Representatives Chamber, Capitol Building, Des Moines

Time: 7:30 pm-9:30 pm tonight.  (Rally at 6:30 in the Cafeteria)

If you can attend the public hearing at the State Capitol on Tuesday at please join us.

EMAIL AND PHONE CALLS
If you are not able to make it but still want to make a difference please call and email your elected officials today.

House Switchboard: (515) 281-3221

Senate Switchboard: (515) 281-3371

Email Lookup: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/Legislators/LegislatorInfo.aspx

LISTEN TO THE HEARING ONLINE
You can listen to the public debate online Tuesday night through this website http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Audio/Audio.html and click on house audio.

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