The View from Here

The Iowa legislature reconvened on Monday January the 12th. The first day was mainly organizational and catching up with those we haven’t seen for eight months.

Tuesday the Governor gave her Condition of the State speech that often sets the tone for the session.  Her first action was to honor fallen and injured National Guard members. Family members of many National Guard currently deployed were in attendance. I was pleased to see Lincoln Jost of my district, whose wife Kelly is currently deployed. His presence reminded me of the sacrifice the whole family makes when one of the Guard is called into active duty.

The Governor spoke of her priorities for the year: funding cancer research, reducing property taxes and modernizing the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit. These will be legislative priorities as well.

Senate President Amy Sinclair reminded us that over 60% of our recorded votes last year were unanimous and 70% passed with 40 votes out of our 50 members.

One issue that we will spend time on this year is property taxes. Iowa currently ranks tenth highest out of the fifty states for property taxes. The Senate is advancing Senate Study Bill 3001 which says that if you are 60 years old and have paid off your mortgage, you will no longer owe taxes on your home. If property inflation goes up more than 2%, the levy rate will automatically be reduced to limit growth in taxes. Local government would be able to vote for more revenue if it is needed.

A big issue that we must deal with early is landowner property rights and eminent domain for CO2 pipelines. To me this is an issue of abiding by our Constitution, both state and federal. Eminent domain is reserved for public use projects like roads, power lines and gas and oil pipelines that will be used by the public. The CO2 pipeline in its current form should not qualify. If the pipeline can be built without the threat of eminent domain, it can move forward.

This year our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. I thought it would be appropriate to remember a statement by Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families. The [love of country] is both a moral and a religious duty. It comprehends not only the love of our neighbors but of millions of our fellow creatures—not only of present but of future generations.

A restored and renewed patriotism is necessary if America is to continue to be healthy and strong. Disrespecting the country, dishonoring its flag and institutions, and tearing down and defacing its symbols is not patriotism, nor will it result in what is good for citizens. It is my prayer to model godly patriotism to the next generation.

I look forward to interacting with many of you via email, in person at the Capitol or at community forums throughout the session. If you would like to have a forum in your community, please contact me. I may be reached at dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov