Hunter
04/06/23
Iowa House Democrats are proposing a package as part of the upcoming budget that would help working-class families.
The Des Moines Register reports that the package is wide-ranging and covers a variety of issues facing families. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said that although the legislature can’t control all the ups and downs of the national economy, the proposed package can help Iowa families reduce living expenses.
Among the items in the Democrats’ package is a new child care tax credit to families earning less than $250,000, with grants to child care centers and businesses that have child care on site. Insulin costs would be capped at $25 out-of-pocket for Iowans, and the state’s labor commissioner would be required to prioritize wage theft with the power to open an investigation even before a formal complaint is filed.
The package also includes a new affordable housing tax credit, and grants for households making $109,000 or less for home improvement projects.
Democrats also propose a tuition freeze at the three state-run universities.
The Republican-controlled House and Senate is in the process of drafting the state budget, which goes into effect July 1st.