Taxes

Strained budgets, tax reform and the trickle down from changing federal policy are a few of the themes surrounding Midwestern state legislatures this year.

High valuations in recent years have increased the burden of property taxes on homeowners. Still, opponents argue that efforts to reform property taxes could harm services citizens rely on and take away local power.

Iowa businesses would pay less in unemployment taxes under a bill that advanced through a Senate committee Tuesday.

While filling out state taxes, Iowans have the option of contributing to the Fish/Wildlife Fund – also known as the Chickadee Checkoff. It provides funding to the DNR to support habitat restoration and to monitor and research non-game wildlife, like songbirds and bumblebees.