This week the Iowa State Senate passed SF 512, a measure to fund water quality improvements through 2029 through a water metering tax and gambling revenue. Senator David Johnson, an Independent from Ocheyedan, voted against the $50 million funding measure because it isn’t sufficient.

He says proponents of the water funding bill think it will help with the nutrient reduction management plan, but he disagrees.

Johnson offered an amendment to increase the state sales tax three eighths of a penny to pay for water improvements, but it didn’t pass.

The bill now goes to the House, which is working on its own legislation as the session winds down.