Issues
Iowa’s Economy
Bob Vander Plaats has experience as a business educator, business owner, entrepreneur, and business leader who assists company executives in sharpening their strategic vision and leadership skills.
“Iowa ranks 44th on the Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index, which compares the states in five areas of taxation that affect business: corporate taxes; individual income taxes; sales taxes; unemployment insurance taxes; and taxes on residential and commercial property. Iowa’s four-tier corporate tax structure includes a top rate of 12 percent that kicks in at the $250,000 income level. That top rate is the nation’s highest corporate income tax rate by far. In 2007, state-level corporate tax collections (excluding local taxes) were $109 per capita, which ranked 40th highest nationally. These figures are unacceptable and are obstacles to growing Iowa’s economy.
“I want to make sure Iowa will be a bridge to anywhere - a place where the top companies in the world, large or small - want to locate, grow and thrive. We cannot afford to have hit-and-miss cell phone coverage across parts of the state and internet service that’s 10 years behind the times. Just as we need our roads and airports to be up to standard, we need a reliable 21st century communications infrastructure.”
- Bob Vander Plaats
