On Election Day, Iowa voters get an opportunity to change the state constitution.
Amendment 1, if passed, would require two-thirds of Iowa lawmakers to approve any increase to income taxes. A simple majority is currently required.
Fred Maharry has concerns about what that could mean for public services.
“My position on Amendment 1 is that we should vote no,” the West Des Moines resident says. “It sounds good. Everybody wants to see their taxes go down.”
He says if passed, that measure puts too much power into the hands of a few lawmakers. It would also limit state officials’ spending options for top issues, he argues.
“We need money for public safety, public education, clean water, decent roads and bridges,” he says,” and it takes money to do all those things.”
He fears that if Amendment 1 gains approval it could cause elected officials to look for other revenue streams to fund those services. That could be sales taxes, property taxes or fees.
“My second point is that Amendment 1 would lock in large income tax breaks for the biggest corporations and the wealthiest Iowans, at the expense of the everyday Iowan,” he says.
Maharry and several others with concerns banded together. They have yard signs available in all 99 counties, including some on barns. More are available for those interested, Maharry says.
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