Iowa Senate Republicans are advancing a plan to change how mental health is funded and eliminating property tax funding for that. Their proposed budget also includes $100 million property tax relief. Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill says they want to see state monies used for funding mental health services rather than utilizing property taxes.
He says by advancing this State Senate proposal it lessens the property tax burden that’s unequally being felt by rural residents.
The GOP State Senators are also looking at reducing state income taxes. Hill says because Iowa is experiencing positive economic growth, this is a good time to reduce those taxes.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny says he’s targeting an almost $8 billion budget for the next fiscal year that includes not only the property tax reduction but also a $60 million increase in mental health funding.
