The Iowa House has approved the governor’s idea of reducing property taxes for some childcare businesses. Commercial childcare centers are currently taxed as commercial property and the governor has proposed they be taxed at a far lower rate – just like residential property. Representative Brook Boden, a Republican from Indianola, spoke briefly before the bill passed the House on a 94 to one vote.
A Legislative Services Agency analysis indicates the bill could cut property taxes by a total of 19 million dollars for the 15-hundred commercial childcare centers in the state. Republican Senator Dan Dawson of Council Bluffs is chairman of the Senate’s tax policy committee. He says Iowa cities already are adjusting budgets based on significant property tax changes lawmakers approved last year, but Senate Republicans are contemplating the governor’s proposed property tax cut for childcare centers.
Dawson made his comments this weekend on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S.
