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Iowa Legislature begins 2012 session
January 11, 2012
By Greg Janetka
DES MOINES, Iowa: After taking a shorter than normal summer break, the Iowa Legislature kicked off their 2012 session on Monday. In 2011, the Legislature was in extended session through July 1 in an attempt to address commercial property tax rates.[1] Republicans hold a 60-40 majority in the House while Democrats hold a 26-24 majority in the Senate. This year, citizens are able to watch all floor debate in the House live on streaming video.
Here is a preview of some of the main issues that will be addressed in 2012:
- Taxes: The extended 2011 session ultimately did not resolve differences over commercial tax rates. While most legislators agree they are too high, the parties are pushing different solutions. Governor Terry Branstad (R) has called for a 40 percent business property tax cut phased in over eight years, while also limiting local spending. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal said Democrats will push for a plan that focuses more on small businesses.[2]
- Education: Branstad has proposed a $25 million education reform plan that includes increased training requirements for teachers and a new system for student testing. The proposal is part of a 10-year plan. Republicans and Democrats have both stressed that a multi-year effort will be necessary. Branstad did not include a controversial tiered-system of paying teachers in the proposal.[3]
- Mental Health: There is bipartisan support for a proposed overhaul of the state's mental health systems that would replace the current system, which is divided between all 99 counties, with a regional system. House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R) stated, "This Legislature has recognized that we can no longer avoid addressing the major issues facing Iowa's mental health and disability services system. We will adopt a new system that more fairly meets the needs of those served while protecting the property taxpayer."[4]
The 2012 session is scheduled to go through April 17. This year all 100 state representatives and half of the 50 member senate will be up for re-election on November 6. The filing deadline to run in the June 5 primary was March 16.
See also
- Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
- Iowa State Senate
- Iowa House of Representatives
- Iowa State Senate elections, 2012
- Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2012
Footnotes
- ↑ Clinton Herald, "2012 Iowa Legislature Convenes," January 10, 2012
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Branstad backs tax cuts, new plans to create jobs," January 10, 2012
- ↑ The Republic, "Education proposals expected to be key topic as Iowa lawmakers convene legislative session," January 7, 2012
- ↑ The Republic, "Iowa lawmakers begin legislative session with taxes, education, mental health at top of agenda," January 9, 2012
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