Letter to the Editor: Less taxes = less services

To the Editor:

The political party in control of the Iowa Legislature is proposing decreasing Iowa income taxes, exempting all retirement income from Iowa taxes, eliminating capital gain state tax, and decreasing corporate taxes. I have one question: If Iowa has less tax revenue, what services will be cut?

As every household knows, if income is cut, households have less money to spend. If a family’s income is reduced, it means expenses must be cut. In order to have a balanced budget, less income means expenses have to be cut.

The State is the same. If the State reduces its income, then expenses will have to be cut.

According to the governor’s proposed budget, in 2022 Iowa’s income will be $9,065 million. According to the Legislative Services Agency, the tax cuts proposed will subtract $500 million in 2024 and when fully implemented will subtract $1,625 million from Iowa’s income, which means almost 20% less income.

Where will the 20% cuts in services be? Less money for Education? Less money for Health & Human Services?  Less money for Ag & Natural Resources? Less money for the Judicial System?

Could you live with a reduction of 20%?

Coupled with the fact that 80% of the $1,625 million will reduce taxes for the top 20%, the rest of us will get little tax relief and less money for education, mental health, medical services, police and judicial system.

Do not be fooled. Less taxes will mean less services.

Ann Fields
Lansing