The Iowa legislature recently passed a major piece of legislation, COVID-19 liability reform. Iowa’s economy is reopening, and social distancing and other hygienic practices continue to slow the spread of the virus. As Iowans beginning to reengage with the economy and other public institutions there remains an element of risk of catching COVID-19. The objective of COVID-19 liability protection is […]
Crafting a state budget is never an easy process and this year was especially difficult with drafting a budget amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the COVID-19 emergency, Iowa was in a strong economic position with healthy and stable revenue growth. By March, all of this changed as the pandemic triggered an economic downturn and revenue uncertainty. In May, the […]
The ability for Iowans to earn a living and those who relocate to Iowa will be greatly improved due to the historic occupational licensing reform passed by the legislature. Governor Kim Reynolds, who made occupational licensing reform a priority in her Condition of the State address, is expected to sign the legislation. The reform will allow for universal recognition of […]
Iowa, just as with other states, has become dependent on the federal government for support. Iowa’s $7.6 billion state budget is dependent on the equivalent in federal aid to help fund numerous programs. Through these funds, the federal government can impose both funded and unfunded mandates on the states. This growing dependency on Uncle Sam is dangerous not only because […]
The rising cost of property taxes are a concern for both individuals and businesses across Iowa. Often blame is placed on county assessors for high property taxes. A reason for this is the fact that taxpayers receive an assessment notice in the mail and are angry because of the increase in property values. Property is assessed upon market values; the […]
Iowa’s economy has begun the process of reopening with continued limitations due to social distancing. Nevertheless, economic uncertainties remain. How will businesses cope with operating at limited capacity? Will Iowa consumers feel safe to fully reintegrating into the economy or will a fear of a “second wave” keep people away? How will lost economic activity impact state and local tax […]
Iowa’s economy is reopening, but the economic impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is still uncertain. Iowa’s April unemployment rate was 10.2 percent because of business closures resulting from social distancing policies used to mitigate the virus. The economic impact of COVID-19 is still a fluid situation. One of the uncertainties is the impact of the virus on state and local revenues. […]