Capitol Report

State Representative Danny Carroll

April 14, 2005

 

This past week the Iowa House has been busy with several significant developments.  On Tuesday, I was the floor manager for House File 840 which provides for a limited rebate of the sales tax for a stock car racetrack to be built next to the Newton Airport.  With investments from the City of Newton, as well as other private investors, the racetrack could be a major tourist attraction for central Iowa.  Much of the debate on HF 840 related to the idea of giving the sales tax to a private entity.  It should be noted, however, that the Department of Economic Development does this sort of thing all the time.  This rebate is different in that it does not require an up front contribution from the taxpayer but will only be allowed if the track is built and in business.  There is no risk to the tax payer.  Another major reason for the tax investment is the probability that the track will attract thousands of visitors from out of state.  Iowa has a shortage of attractions that encourage people to travel any distance.  With the growing popularity of racing, the Newton racetrack should be a positive economic factor in central Iowa.

 

Also this week I have spent several hours in committee debate on House File 841, the Medicaid reform bill.  The legislation is complicated but vital to the future of health care in Iowa and the Medicaid program in particular.  Without this legislation Iowa stands to lose almost $170 million in Medicaid resources beginning July 1, 2005.  If passed and signed by the Governor, HF 841 will prevent the loss of those dollars but more importantly allow Iowa more flexibility in the Medicaid program.  I will write more about this bill in later reports as I expect it to be debated by the full House next week.

 

There remains a lot of work for this first session of the 81^st General Assembly and we are scheduled to adjourn on April 29^th.  Budget discussions will be on the forefront as the House, Senate and Governor attempt a compromise.

 

You can reach me at home most evenings and weekends at 641-236-7043.  My home address is 244 400^th Avenue, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.  While at the Capitol, you can reach me at the House of Representatives switchboard at 515-281-3221 or by E-mail at danny.carroll@legis.state.ia.us.  My mailing address at the Capitol is House of Representatives, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.

 

 

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