Iowa House committee could make broadband changes

Gov Terry Branstad's (R-IA) broadband expansion bill could undergo major changes as it advances in the Iowa State Legislature, according to the leader of a House committee who says lawmakers have concerns about the measure's long-term funding. Iowa State Rep. Peter Cownie, a Republican from West Des Moines and Chair of the Commerce Committee, said Republican lawmakers are concerned about how a proposed grant program would be funded past its first year.

The program, which has a $5 million appropriation, is partially funded by a bond repayment fund that will not be available the following fiscal year. State Rep Cownie said he is considering an amendment that could remove the program and instead focus on expanding a property tax program. The program as currently written in the bill would give service providers a three-year break on paying higher property taxes for expanding broadband infrastructure. Service providers have expressed support for expanding it to at least 10 years.