WEEK 11: 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
STATE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE TRACKING
SSB1251 : Ag & Natural Resources Appropriations - On page 21: We asked for language that specifically codifies the long-held practice of paying elevators for maintaining and/or enhancing the quality of commodities stored and dried for patrons, while also protecting the quality of lender collateral. This came into question when a bank sued two cooperatives in an attempt to claw back storage and drying charges incurred on grain: FOR- Passed out of committee on Thursday

SF555 : Weight Limits on Equipment - Moves all self-propelled implements applying plant food, agricultural limestone, or ag chemicals to the category of "implement of husbandry." Maximum of 25,000 lbs. and specifically stating that equipment must still meet posted limits on bridges/overpasses (allowing for permits to pass on weight capped roads/bridges): FOR : Passed out of both chambers

HF647 / SF444 : Beginning Farmer Credit - Establishes a new Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program replacing Agricultural Assets Transfer Credit. Also allows farmers with ag assets a tax credit for assisting beginning farmers. Caps the credit at $50,000/year per farmer. Expands replacement program from $6 million to $12 million: FOR

HF725 / SF473 : Electric Vehicle Taxes - Provides registration taxes and tax at charging stations equivalent to average road use taxes paid through fuel consumption (per the DOT: the average motorist pays $150/year): MONITORING

HSB204 / SSB1193 : Empower Rural Iowa - Creates incentives for broadband and workforce housing. Amendments were discussed including adding a broadband base speed and making the bill withstand the test of time/future: FOR

Find your state legislators HERE .

Picture below: Legislative forum with Sen. Amanda Ragan, Rep. Linda Upmeyer and Rep. Pat Grassley at the Allison Public Library on Friday, March 29th.
FEDERAL NEWS
CHINA/US TRADE WAR UPDATE

Reach your Federal Legislators HERE about Pension Plan Premiums!
This legislation would stop Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) from grossly overcharging charity and not-for-profit rural cooperative defined-benefit pension plans. 
Want to reach your federal legislators?
D.C. office numbers below: 
Sen. Chuck Grassley: 202-224-4120
Sen. Joni Ernst: 202-224-3254
Rep. Abby Finkenauer: 202-225-2911
Rep. Dave Loebsack: 202-225-6576
Rep. Cindy Ax ne: 202-225-5476
Rep. Steve King: 202-225-4426
STAY CONNECTED WITH IIC THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
Katie P. Hall
Director of Government Affairs
khall@iowainstitute.coop
O: 515-292-2667
C: 712-269-9838