From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Iowa’s 2023 legislative session is officially over. Lawmakers adjourned the session Thursday afternoon, after finalizing the state’s $8.5 billion dollar budget. The session was supposed to end on Friday last week, but it took a few more days for lawmakers to finalize budget items, which are required before they can be done for the year. The approved budget is $30 million smaller than last year’s. That sets up Iowa to have another year with a budget surplus, potentially leaving room for more income tax cuts. Governor Reynolds says she has a long-term plan to eliminate the state income tax entirely.
The Governor also signed a bill she says could save Iowans money on property taxes. The bill limits how much money cities and counties can take in each year. It requires them to use excess funds to lower property taxes. It also combines individual tax levies for cities and provides new exemptions for veterans and seniors. Lawmakers say the changes could save Iowans more than $100 million next year.
Kirkwood Community College announced its next President: Dr. Kristie Fisher. Dr. Fisher will become the sixth president in Kirkwood history. She is the president of the Iowa Valley Community College District serving Marshalltown, Iowa Falls, and Grinnell. She also has a history with Kirkwood, graduating from the college and later serving as vice president of student services between 2006 and 2014.
The Cedar Rapids Marriott on Collins Road will have a new owner, after an auction officially ended Thursday. The auction was held for two days with the final highest bid topping $8 million. Bidding started at $3.2 million. The hotel has 220 rooms spread out across seven floors. The online listing for this week’s auction is now off of the website, and it’s not clear who bought the property or what they plan to do with the hotel.
