At the tail end of caucus week and with the Democratic Party finally being able to release results, District 12 Republican Representative, Brian Best, says this is turned into an unfortunate situation. He believes it could create a problem for Iowa in maintaining that first-in-the-nation status.
He says the Democrats and Republicans are working as a team at the leadership levels to help ensure the caucuses go off as seamlessly as possible. However, the final decision is up to the parties, and it could create a number of different scenarios. We could see a complete loss of the process, a Republican only caucus or a retention of the system as it currently sits. Best says there is a lot of money that gets spent in Iowa prior to the caucuses, providing a positive economic impact. Some have labeled them as outmoded and “clunky,” but Best says he really does like the process.
As the focus shifts back to local politics in the Iowa legislature, Best says he was surprised to have had only one constituent weigh in on a proposed one cent sales tax increase. More details have been released by Gov. Kim Reynolds, but Best is still on the fence, waiting for the topic to be further vetted. He says he does see some definite advantages.
However, he is also in favor of exploring options of using general funds or other forms of support for a portion of these instead of a sales tax increase. To do everything the governor is proposing, Best says it would take that additional penny of sales tax. However, some items, such as diapers and feminine hygiene products, would be added to the same tax-free status as food and prescription drugs. Best is welcoming comments and constituents can connect with him through the email address included below
Contact Brian Best: brian.best@legis.iowa.gov
