Iowa Senate Update: June 2023

New Property Tax Breaks for 65+ and Veteran Homeowners

Attention homeowners: The Legislature came together this year to approve a statewide property tax relief package.

The package includes a new property tax exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older. Eligible homeowners will receive an exemption of $3,250 for assessment year 2023, increasing to $6,500 for 2024 and after. The package also increased the military service property tax exemption available to veteran homeowners from $1,852 to $4,000.

These exemptions will lower the taxable value of homes and reduce property taxes for those homeowners beginning in September 2024, and both are in addition to the existing homestead tax credit available to homeowners.

If you are an eligible homeowner, you will not need to re-file the property tax exemption application if you already have filed for the exemption with your local assessor.

That said, your local assessor’s office can help you determine if you qualify for either of these exemptions. Homeowners 65 and up may wish to submit an updated form that includes information that will more easily allow their assessor to determine eligibility for the new exemption. That new form is available online from the Department of Revenue.

The military service exemption will be adjusted for all claims on file. Veterans can file for the exemption by filling out this form.

The deadline for submitting new claims for these exemptions is July 1st. You can find contact information for your local assessor here.

Legislative Softball Scores for Iowa Charities

This past weekend was the Second Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game. House and Senate Democrats played a great game and bested the Republicans 10-6. More importantly, the charity event raised $25,000 each for the Puppy Jake Foundation and the Iowa Food Bank Association.

Events like this are a great reminder that even though we represent different sides, there’s more to unite us than divide us, and we can always come together to make our state stronger.

Check out a few photos from the event, held at Principal Park in Des Moines:

Quick Updates

• Iowa’s budget. The budget approved by Gov. Reynolds and statehouse Republicans for the coming fiscal year totals $8.5 billion, with a surplus estimated by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency at $2 billion. Unfortunately, this budget includes over $100 million for private school vouchers, a total cut of approximately $30 million to Area Education Agencies, and a $500,000 (more than 20%!) increase for the governor’s office. Check out LSA’s end-of-session report for more details on the budget, which takes effect July 1.
• Juneteenth celebrations. Iowa Juneteenth celebrations are underway in communities all across Iowa. Find a nearby event here and join the jubilation! Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States, and takes place on June 19.
• Vouchers public hearing June 20. The Department of Education will host a public hearing on the rules concerning the state’s new private school voucher program at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 20. Members of the public may comment on the proposed rulemaking in person at the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines, via videoconference or in writing.
• Scholarships available. Iowans can apply for the Last-Dollar Scholarship to pursue higher education in a high-demand career. Students who earned an Iowa high school diploma, enroll at least part-time in an eligible program of study, apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships, and meet ongoing requirements, are eligible for the Last-Dollar Scholarship. Recipients can choose from various high-demand programs in growing career fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and more. All applications must be submitted by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by August 1. Information is available at IowaCollegeAid.gov/LastDollar.
• Recommended reading. During this past legislative session, Republican lawmakers passed numerous new laws that will negatively impact Iowa’s public health. Dr. David Drake summarizes many of the most harmful items in their agenda in this important Des Moines Register op-ed. Check it out.
• Opioid battle planning. The Iowa State Association of Counties held an opioid settlement funds strategic planning summit for local governments in May. While Republicans in state government are refusing to invest opioid settlement funds, cities and counties have the chance to strengthen and protect their communities independently. These funds will be a huge boon to treatment, prevention, and recovery in our community.
• Stay at the park. Did you know? There are more than 90 cabins available to rent in 20 state parks across Iowa. Ranging from yurts to studios to two-story modern family cabins and equipped with electricity, water, refrigerator, and indoor & outdoor cooking options, overnight lodging choices are plentiful and flexible. All state park cabins require a minimum 2-night stay, and some require a week-long stay during the peak season. Click here for more information and to reserve a spot.
• Nutrition assistance at farmers markets. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) aid is now available for Iowa WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) recipients and low-income seniors to purchase baked goods, eggs, jam, plants, flowers, and more at farmers markets from June 1 to October 31. The checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at local WIC agencies and Area Agency on Aging offices. For more information contact John Krzton-Presson at john.krzton-presson@IowaAgriculture.gov.
• Check out your local library this summer to combat learning loss. School is out and keeping kids’ minds engaged during the months-long break from school can be tough. The 2023 Iowa Library’s summer program theme this year is “Find Your Voice,” and challenges participants to complete reading and activity sessions during the summer.

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