(Arnolds Park)– Funding for a fish barrier for the Iowa Great Lakes, school start dates and property tax reform. Those were among the issues discussed Saturday at legislative forums in Spencer and Arnolds Park that not only included local lawmakers, but Governor Terry Branstad as well.
While state funding for an electronic fish barrier remains uncertain in the legislature, Governor Branstad told KUOO news that if a bill with an appropriation in it for the barrier should pass, that he would be willing to sign it…Click here for comment from Gov. Branstad
The Governor also sounded off over a bill that would require school districts in Iowa to wait until after Labor Day to start classes. Branstad says the current waiver system that lets classes start well before that is hurting tourism and other businesses in the state…Click here for comment from Gov. Branstad
A local lawmaker that’s been a proponent of the later school start date, State Senator David Johnson of Ocheyedan, expressed frustration that his home school district, Sibley-Ocheyedan, will be starting classes in mid-August…Click here for comment from David Johnson
On the issue of property tax reform, Governor Branstad says he’s still confident the legislature will be able to come together on some sort of a compromise. As it currently stands, there are sharp differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill…Click here for comment from Gov. Branstad
On another issue, Branstad said it’s time state employees start picking up atleast a portion of their healthcare costs. We’ll have more on that in upcoming newscasts.
