Iowa Press

Thank you for the follow along with the live updates. See you on air this weekend.

Tax marijuana and treat like alcohol Rep. Meyer: I think it is time do it. Look at other states around it as we are losing tax dollars.

Boundary - Iowa insulated? Rep. Meyer: I'm concern in other states. We're not immune. We could see redistricting again.

Open primaries? Rep. Meyer: I don't have an opinion on it. I'd be fine with it, but haven't thought much on it.

Rep. Meyer: Not sure who I'm voting for in the senate race yet. Our top of the ticket is fantastic.

Primary elections on turnout Rep. Meyer: We are enthusiastic. The senate primary is good for getting people to the polls.

Election politics - if D governor next year Rep. Meyer: A hypothetical I don't want to deal with too deeply, but I do think Rob Sand will be next governor. He'll have to dig deep in the budget. First cap the ed voucher program.

Rep. Meyer: I don't think we should be raising individual taxes. Everyone recognizes what's happening.

State Budget Rep. Meyer: The concern the Taxpayer Relief Fund will eventually be dry. Trickle down does not work. We are sounding the alarm before the reserve funds dried up. I've used fiscal death spiral before because that's what is happening.

Tax breaks for nuclear Rep. Meyer: We need them. We need more creators. Basically a sales tax TIFF.

Rep. Meyer: What's the impact on residential users and payers with these centers?

Data centers Rep. Meyer: Not ready for a pause yet. Evaluate the use of energy and water on these things. They are becoming more efficient. What's the best way forward - the centers should be paying for the energy they are using and not others.

Money for water quality Rep. Meyer: A drop in the bucket is better than a dry bucket. We'd propose more money for WQ. We need to help farmers in reducing nitrate runoff. This was quiet in the session. We heard the other side say we're doing enough already. We helped push action.

Tax increases concerns for Republicans Rep. Meyer: Most of my caucus in favor of raising taxes on cigarettes. However, we need to change the behavior of young people in even picking up smoking.

Vape tax Rep. Meyer: This is the best we can do at this time. We are looking to reduce the use of vape and cigarettes so counting on that money long term may be an issue.

Cancer Rep. Meyer: We have caucus members that feel very strong about the issue. We can do research here as we have the high rates in Iowa.

Whistleblowers lawsuit Rep. Meyer: Sticky to get into - hope to get to the bottom of what's happening sooner than later.

Rep. Meyer: I would like to see the oversight committee called now and not wait until January and a new session. If HR, not as concerned.

IPERS oversight Rep. Meyer: We do have an oversight committee. May be more of an HR issue. Need to make sure the fund is sound and performing as it should.

Rep. Meyer: Tax Increment Financing - developers and city/county people are concerned. As House Dems, we didn't think this was fully vetted - skeptical long term.