Today, the Iowa Senate passed Senate File 587 reforming the state’s mental health system and reducing property taxes.  The bill passed 30-17.

“Tax relief continues to be a goal of the Senate Republicans,” said Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny. “I have said, as long as I am Majority Leader, tax relief will be part of the Senate agenda. Senate File 587 delivers on that promise. Not only does it provide real property tax relief, it also delivers increased funding to mental health services in Iowa.”

Over a period of years, the bill moves mental health funding from local property taxes to state funding. It also eliminates property tax levies, and phases out the backfill to local governments.

“Republicans are elected to enact bold reforms, and this is one of those reforms,” said Senator Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs. “It cuts property taxes for Iowans by over $100 million, dedicates sustainable and consistent funding for mental health, and removes the triggers put into place by the 2018 tax bill to ensure real tax relief for Iowans.”