Panel OKs Plan To Send Money Back To Taxpayers

by Associated Press
February 06, 2013 10:12 AM


State lawmakers continue to debate what Iowa should do with surplus budget dollars. Should they put the money into services and programs or give it directly to taxpayers?
 
A House subcommittee on Wednesday discussed Republican-sponsored legislation that would use the state's surplus funds to provide credits to taxpayers. Rep. Peter Cownie of West Des Moines says individual taxpayers would get $369 income tax credits. He says the plan would cost over $500 million and calls it the fairest way to deal with the money.
 
But Democrats and advocates questioned whether this was the best use of state funds, saying it would be better to spend the money on services and infrastructure.
 
The subcommittee approved the bill. It now goes to the full committee for deliberation.