Senator Hardman’s Feb. 27 Newsletter

From the Desk of Senator Hardman

It’s been another hectic week – week seven has been busy with debate. I have been proud during debate to stand and voice my concerns for Iowans. That is what you elected me for.

I am also so proud that I voiced my thoughts to the Governor’s staff and asked them to consider lowering the flag to half-staff for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson. So happy to see that the flag was flown half-staff this week. Another example of the importance of speaking up and speaking out.

Please see all the information below that will provide you with so much of the happenings of this week.

Happy Reading!

Dead or Alive: Where things stand after the first funnel

The Senate was back to regular business this week with three days of debate and dozens of bills passing through the Senate for consideration. The funnel narrowed the slate of eligible bills, but there are still some big issues left to manage. Here’s the lay of the land after the first funnel:

It’s important to note that this list does not include everything in front of the Legislature this year. There are still a couple of big, complicated issues out there. Such as…

Property Tax Reform

The reason why you don’t see a bullet point on the list above talking about property taxes is because bills that deal with taxes are considered “funnel proof,” meaning they don’t have to adhere to the same calendar deadlines as other policy bills.

As a reminder, there are three property tax reform proposals from the majority party in front of the Legislature at this time. HSB 596 from the House Republicans, SSB 3001 from the Senate Republicans, and SSB 3034/HSB 563 from the governor.

Each of the existing proposals has different elements, so it is still to be determined what we will actually vote on in a final bill. If we can get a simpler, more predictable system that prioritizes taxpayers over corporations, ensures local governments can continue to provide the essential services that Iowans want, and encourages investment in the state, then you will see broad bipartisan support. We won’t support another giveaway to corporate interests or the wealthy that leaves working families and communities shortchanged.

Save Iowa Whirlpool Jobs

This week, Iowa’s legislative Democrats, in both the Senate and the House, sent an appeal to the Whirlpool Corporation to reconsider the decision to lay-off hundreds of Iowa workers in Amana.

The Amana plant has employed generations of Iowans and has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 100 years. These layoffs – the second round in less than a year – will deeply impact a community that has directly contributed to Whirlpool’s long-term success.

In the letter, we argue that Whirlpool has accepted tens of millions of dollars in state grants and tax credits while sending hundreds of jobs and corporate investment to Mexico. It’s an insult to the men and women who have spent years building the appliances that Americans around the country have relied on.

We hope the Whirlpool Corporation will reverse course and protect the jobs that have served as a foundation for the Amana community for decades.

Quick Updates

Governor signs school funding: This week, Senate Republicans passed SF 2201 by a vote of 27-20. The bill sets the annual increase in school funding at just 2%, below the level of inflation and far below what our public schools, and the students they serve, deserve. The bill was sent to the governor, and she signed it into law on Thursday.