By: Sam T. Jensen — samj@977thebolt.com
Des Moines, Iowa — Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer of Clear Lake says she wants to make sure Iowans have a voice when it comes to tax hikes.
This comment comes after Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) signed a transparency bill, which will change how Iowa cities and counties set budgets and raise property taxes.
A two-thirds majority on a city council and county board of supervisors will have to approve any increase in property tax revenue that is more than two percent.
Linda Upmeyer says as a county supervisor, she should let the public know exactly what taxes are being raised and where that money is going.
However, there are some criticisms of the bill; Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh says the “heavy hand of the government” is placing unnecessary limits on growing cities.