Legislators ltr, State tax systQty Manager's Office
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 office
(563) 589-4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
February 27, 2003
VIA E-Mail
mike_connolly@legis.state.ia.us
The Honorable Mike Connolly
Iowa State Senator
3458 Daniels
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Senator Connolly:
I am writing to you regarding SF 129 related to the creation of a commission to review
and recommend changes to the State's tax system. This legislation is key to
addressing the on-going concerns of cities regarding our confusing and complicated tax
structure. I would support a comprehensive review of Iowa's state and local tax
structure with a commitment to enact recommended changes.
In order to effectively address all relevant issues, policy oversight must be balanced by
both technical objectivity and adequate time and resources. I believe this commission
should undertake a review that recommends consideration of many issues, including:
· Stability, dependability and adequacy of revenue sources, considering
vadance in local capacity;
· Equity in the distribution of responsibility for financing government programs
and services;
· Effect of government fiscal policy upon economic decision-making by
individuals and businesses;
· Costs imposed on individuals, businesses and levels of government
associated with administering and complying with tax laws and regulations;
· Enhancement of government accountability; and
· Provide local governments greater access to growth revenues, to reduce the
dependency on property taxes.
Senator Connolly
February 27, 2003
Page 2
I hope you will join us in supporting this legislation as proposed.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:cs
cc: Mayor Terry Duggan
Dubuque City Council
Susan Judkins, Director of Governmental Affairs, Iowa League of Cities
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
Bill Baum, Economic Development Director
The Honorable Mike Connolly
'Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Roger Stewart
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Pat Murphy
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Steve Lukan
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Julie Hosch
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Pam Jochum
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Robert Osterhaus
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Gene Mantemach
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319