During week four of Iowa’s legislation session, Gov. Terry Branstad outlined his plans for the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress. He said the mission of this organization is “to grow and diversify Iowa’s economy by encouraging the creation of high-quality jobs for its citizens through business recruitment, retention, expansion and creation.”

Other topics covered included:

• Property taxes – HF136 will reduce commercial property tax from six percent to four percent.
• Income taxes – HF4 will reduce income taxes by 20 percent; the reduction will affect all nine Iowa tax brackets.
• Local schools – HF11 will require schools to teach financial literacy, including common banking practices, saving, debt management and retirement planning.
• Health insurance – HF15 will give residents the option to purchase mandated free health insurance policy. HF111 will give residents the right to choose private health care.
• Hiring procedures – HF166 will require transparency when hiring private attorneys.

Iowa Department of Economic Development director Debi Durham wants feedback from the business community about regulations and rules hindering businesses.

The Senate and House Republicans announced a statewide tour that starts in Ames. The purpose of this tour is to hear from businesses and Iowa residents who “deal with bureaucratic red tape every day.”

The event will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave. It is open to the public.