FREEMAN FOOTNOTES
February 1, 2006
It seems as though the days just fly by at the Capitol. We had our first evening debate last night when we passed a bill which will exempt Social Security and Pensions from the income tax. This has been a major issue on the eastern border of Iowa where they see many higher income seniors move across the river to Illinois, who does not tax pension income. The senior “flight” is occurring in all areas of the State, albeit not as noticeable as on the border.
Understanding that not all Iowan’s will retire with pension plans, an amendment to the bill was accepted that will allow ALL Iowa residents aged 65 and older to benefit from tax relief. This amendment stated that a single person would have tax-exempt income up to $36,000/year and a couple up to $48,000/year. This bill will now move on to the Senate.
Our new Veteran Affairs Committee will be addressing many issues this year. At our meeting today, we will be hearing from Patrick Palmersheim, Director of Veterans Affairs for the State of Iowa. He will be talking about many of the positive things that we are doing for our veterans, as well as making some suggestions as to additional services we could offer.
As chairman of the committee, I met with Director Palmersheim last week. I asked him the question, “Where do we ‘start’ in determining what the needs are for Iowa veterans?” His reply was that “The establishment of this committee is the most important thing that could have been done.” So we will go on from here and address the issues one by one. Our committee will be receptive to ideas from veterans/veteran groups across the State.
Please stop by and see me if you are at the Capitol. If you would like a Capitol tour,
please contact me and I can arrange one for you.
I can be reached via email at mfreema@legis.state.ia.us or mfreema@iw.net ; phone 515-281-7481 (weekdays) or 712-732-3781 (weekends).
Mary Lou Freeman
State Representative
District 52