We are now into overtime as last Tuesday marked the 100th day and the scheduled final day of the legislative session. We continue working on big issues and important bills, and we are excited for the opportunity to deliver for our constituents and our state.
One big topic debated this week was additional funding for pediatric cancer research. Senate File 2480 implements an additional tax on alternative nicotine or vapor products and appropriates $3 million to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital for conducting pediatric research. We heard, in multiple subcommittees on this bill, moving testimony by families that have seen the miracles worked at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. We also heard the other side of those stories about families who lost their children afflicted by cancer. SF 2480 creates a designated, sustainable funding source specific to pediatric cancer for research, clinical therapies and physician-scientist leadership at the University of Iowa. The first $3 million raised under this new tax will fund those opportunities and give us the chance to get more information on how we can combat cancer in our state.
My own daughter is a childhood cancer survivor. She was diagnosed at the age of three and came out of remission three times, before having a bone marrow transplant at the age of 11. My family knows all too well how painful it is for a family and a child to go through this dreadful disease. She spent a significant amount of her childhood in and out of hospitals and as a result she was unable to experience many of the joys and activities other children were able to experience. It has had a significant impact on her life. No child and no family should ever have to go through this. It is an issue that strikes close to my heart. Funding pediatric cancer research is something that we need to support.
Last week we also passed Senate File 2428, a bill that I have personally spent over a year helping to draft. Senate File 2428 addresses discipline for student-caused nonviolent or violent disruptions in school classrooms. The need for this came about as a result of hearing from teachers having issues in their own classrooms and getting injured when all they want to do is focus on teaching. SF 2428 expands the definition for non-violent and violent interruptions and establishes policies for those students who cause disruptions to be admitted back into the classrooms. As teachers work to prepare Iowa students for success, it is crucial they can do so in a safe environment, for both themselves and their students. This bill is a great step forward in helping to protect students and teachers, and it ensures the classroom can be a safe place for learning.
Senate focused on real property tax relief
Progress continues to be made on property tax reform with the House passing an amended version of our bill, Senate File 2472. The House amended their own proposal onto the bill and passed it out of their chamber on Wednesday. While this is a positive step forward to continue discussions, the House proposal has several aspects that make it problematic moving forward.
After decades of fixes, tweaks, carve-outs and exemptions, Iowa’s property tax system is complicated. In 2023, the legislature passed the first step in major property tax reform, working to drive down levy rates and start simplifying the system.
A few weeks ago, the Senate passed Senate File 2472 nearly unanimously, and with bipartisan support, out of our chamber. It is a comprehensive property tax overhaul designed to replace a complicated, outdated system with permanent relief and predictability for taxpayers. The bill simplifies the tax code by offering every Iowa homeowner a 50% discount on the taxable value of their home. Then, at age 60, the discount increases 10% every decade following. It also automatically lowers levy rates if property inflation exceeds 2% and eliminates the variable rollback system. This approach considers that the needs of Waukee are different than the needs of Hartley, and that the needs of Johnson County are different than the needs of Osceola County.
The focus of the Senate property tax proposal has always been the Iowa homeowner. They deserve a better deal in our state. We want to encourage and help Iowans achieve the American dream right here in our state and homeownership must be more affordable. To that end, we will continue to pursue real, permanent relief that helps Iowa homeowners, and simplifies Iowa’s property tax system.
It is truly an honor to serve in the Iowa Senate representing Senate District 3. I rely on your input because everything we do as a General Assembly affects you personally. You can email me at lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov to voice your support or concerns on upcoming legislation.
Visit the legislative website for information about bills important to you or to follow the work of the legislature: www.Legis.Iowa.Gov.
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