Helland: House Bill Addresses Root of Property Tax Problem

From ErikHelland.com

Happy National Ag Day, everyone!  I hope you take the opportunity to observe
the abundance provided by agriculture and thank local farmers, agricultural
associations and government agencies for their hard work throughout the state
– not to mention two of Johnston’s largest employers, Pioneer Hi-Bred and John
Deere Credit!

A quick correction on a statement made in the Grimes water bills that many residents received last week. The House and Governor’s property tax plan will not increase your tax bills.  This statement was inaccurate.  The House bill is the only property tax plan that addresses the root of the problem:  government spending.

At the State House, we’ve been working diligently throughout the session to align spending and revenue to create a balanced budget in the interests of Iowa job creators.  As economic stability waivers and uncertainty continues to rise, it is imperative that we take a conservative approach to controlling spending and placing more accountability on the government.  A better system of checks and balances will ensure entitlement programs, such as healthcare and education programs, the funding that they need and deserve.

House Study Bill 645 directly relates to government operations and efficiencies, making appropriations and certain tax credits.  The ultimate goal is to find government competencies and save taxpayers money through bipartisan efforts.
Education reform is also an expansive topic that has received much attention from the legislature, press and voters alike.  Monday night, more than 70 people attended a public hearing to bridge the ideas of state legislators, school administers and parents to move towards a bold overhaul of Iowa’s education system.

We’ve also seen numerous people from STEM, a collaboration that promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics through education projects and initiatives across the state.  This group is working on programs that are essential for our children to adapt to a rapidly changing learning environment.  Long-gone are the days of cramming and memorizing for tests; rather, students are challenged through hands-on activities to conduct projects and make learning observations along the way.  The interactive camps and projects are a great way to spark students’ interest in the areas of math and science and to prepare our young people for higher education down the road.