As I write this edition of the newsletter it is Groundhog Day and even though he's seen his shadow ensuring 6 more weeks of winter I think we've been lucky so far so it's not quite as damning as it has been in the past.
The House Transportation Committee is set to meet today on the "Traffic Camera Bill" HF 2048. This bill would ban the use of all automated traffic law enforcement systems, and require their removal by July 1st. I'm still researching this bill and have yet to decide my position. Other states across our country vary greatly on their laws on automated traffic enforcement. I've already received many emails from my constituents
on this subject and welcome many more, as your views are an important part of my decision making.
On our budgeting process, this is based on an ongoing revenue stream that is determined by the Revenue Estimating Conference at their December meeting, the figure determined was 6.251 billion for 2013. We can spend up to 99% of that figure. The House Republicans beginning target is 6.059 billion, which is 97% of said ongoing revenue stream.
Many of you may have heard in the news that State revenue is reported to jump by approximately 62.6 million more than the previous year. This does not alter the state budgeting process that was mentioned in the previous paragraph. HF 2150, the IRC Coupling Bill, references the Internal Revenue Code to make federal income tax revisions enacted by Congress in 2011 applicable for Iowa income tax purposes. The updates include revisions to the federal research credit, the basis for Iowa research activities credit.
On the "Lead Shot Nullification" bill, HJR 2001, legislative intent versus the rule making process by state agencies has become a hotly debated issue. I will be supporting this bill which reinstates legislative intent.
If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me via email at steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us.
