The Pot Simmers ... for now

The bill which would eliminate federal deductibility, HF 807, will not be coming up for debate today, and its future is uncertain. The companion bill, SF 468, came out in the Senate today.

House Leaders will not bring the bill up for debate unless they know for certain they have the votes, and right now it looks like the Democrat Six-Pack is holding strong in opposition. In addition, Governor Culver has said he is opposed to the bill if it is not revenue neutral. Probably a smart move since he promised not to increase taxes in his State of the State address at the beginning of the session, and this bill does just that.

On a different note, the Iowa Supreme Court will rule on the same sex marriage case, Varnum v. Brien, tomorrow. The case involves six same-sex Iowa couples who sued the Polk County Recorder in 2005 after the office denied them marriage licenses. A constitutional amendment would be required if the state is not happy with the outcome. No legislative reaction is expected this year as legislators predict they'll be headed home in the next week or two.