Leagueblogging 2: Questions

First question from League: Last year passed tax credit for private schools but not public schools. Reconsider?

Bolkcom: Bill was passed to facilitate low income scholarship funds. Was part of an agreement Vilsack made, did not have support of senate tax committees. Bill was dead but was worked into final agreement package. Worth reconsidering.

Questioner adds unclear comments in opposition. Mascher says many of us voted against it; hard to undo once it's done, not sure votes are there.

Christopher Squire, anti-smoker: pushing for the dollar, rather than the 64 cents on the table. Concerns that industry can neutralize the lower increase.

Bolkcom: Important for members to push leadership on the higher amount. Culver got elected on $1 and that raises the ante. Schmitz: Keep people coming up to the legislature so we can tell leadership there's support. Foege: Don't want grocers etc. to set public health policy. Tuesday Culver will be loud and clear for $1; met with gov on Thurs. and he's adamant for $1. Lensing: Love Mascher's $2. $1.17 Mascher says contact other legislators as well, support governor. Tobacco and grocers have the same lobbyist: "interesting." Dvorsky: Murphy and Gronstal telling folks 62 cents; it's difficult to stand against leadership even though governor is at $1. Jacoby: Next week is important.

Next up: Superintendant Lane Plugge: thanks legislators for incentives on SILO tax; making the pitch for the yes vote.

Dvorsky notes Johnson and Linn are last two without SILO; if it doesn't pass there's already bills to pass it statewide. Clear Creek Amana and Solon in worse financial shape than Iowa City and need the resources.