Iowa's governor wants to kill two birds with one stone. Gov. Terry Branstad says by extending a sales tax increase enacted in 2008* to 2049, schools will get an additional $10 million annually for things like technology and infrastructure projects. He projects that the state will also raise nearly $4.7 billion in this period to address soil and water conservation issues related to agriculture. "This would be an extraordinary investment and have a huge impact. It would allow Iowa to fund the evidence-based initiatives laid out in the nutrient reduction strategy over the long term with a dedicated funding source," says Branstad. "This is the biggest and boldest initiative probably I've ever put together in all my years as governor." Currently all proceeds from the increase, which bumped Iowa sales tax from five to six percent, are funneled Iowa schools. The tax is scheduled to expire in 2029, though school funding advocates have lobbied to extend it. “We’re just grateful that they’re
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