Last week, the Senate released our proposal on property tax relief, with Iowans as its focus.

It implements limitations to rein in spending and growth of government, eliminates the rollback to help provide more certainty and transparency, and provides a permanent 50 percent taxable value discount on your homestead property.

It also eliminates involuntary property taxes for Iowans 60 years old and older who have fully paid off their mortgage and own their home.

It is clear property taxes are a big priority for everyone at the Capitol this year. Many of you have contacted me with questions regarding this Senate proposal. I would just remind everyone that it’s early in the session. The governor, Senate and House have all proposed their own plans, and we look forward to working together and finding the best solution.

Private property rights

Eminent domain and carbon capture has been a topic that has caused much debate at the statehouse. Private property rights and protecting our state’s land is important, and with two bills filed in the Senate this week, SF 2067 and SF 2069, we start addressing this important issue.

Senate File 2067 creates a voluntary easement corridor for a hazardous liquid pipeline project to find willing landowners and voluntary easements and all but eliminates the need for eminent domain for hazardous liquid pipeline projects. This bill strengthens private property rights and allows Iowans to exercise their right to say no to these contracts being offered while allowing those who are willing to sign and participate in these projects.

Senate File 2069 enacts a severance tax on the carbon dioxide flowing through the pipelines. It encourages the use of carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery to help support President Donald Trump’s vision for energy dominance in the United States, while expanding markets for Iowa agriculture and lowering costs for Iowans.

We will be working with the House and Gov. Reynolds on an agreement. We believe these bills provide stronger landowner rights for Iowans, for both those who want to participate in a project and those who don’t, enact more regulations on hazardous liquid pipeline companies, and help put Iowans on a path to prosperity and growth.

State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, represents Calhoun, Pocahontas, Sac and Webster counties.