Statewide Iowa (RI) — Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra is outlining more of the tax and spending policies he’d pursue if he’s elected governor.
Feenstra says he’ll press to keep lowering the state income tax if he’s elected governor.
South Dakota and Florida do not have a state income tax, while Arizona’s income tax is 2.5 percent. Iowa has also had a flat income tax rate since January 1st of last year, but it’s slightly higher, at 3.8 percent.
Feenstra says they need to continue figuring out solutions to lower the tax and at some point, eliminate it. However, it must be done in a reasonable manner to ensure that future bills can be paid.
Feenstra appears to have a different philosophy from Republican Governor Kim Reynolds and current Republican members of the legislature when it comes to using the billions of dollars that have been saved up in a Taxpayer Relief Fund to cover deficits in the state budget.
Feenstra is opposed to an increase in the gas tax. He suggests pro-business policies, like tax cuts, would fuel an increase in state gas-tax revenue.
Feenstra has pledged to cut and freeze property taxes since he launched his campaign for governor last November.
Yesterday, Feenstra said he supports a freeze on the property taxes on homes owned by Iowans who are 65 or older, but he did not support a statewide limit on property tax growth.
Feenstra says a uniform property tax structure would not work.
Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate as well as Governor Reynolds have said property tax relief is a must-do during this year’s legislative session, but they have yet to agree on a plan, so the issue may remain unresolved for Iowa’s next governor.
KIWA Staff Photo
