The Iowa Senate has approved a measure that would give a larger income tax break to low-income residents.
Lawmakers passed the measure 35-15 Wednesday. Iowa households that make under $45,000 a year would get about a $250 tax break because they could keep a higher refund from their federal income tax.
Democrat Sen. Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City, the bill sponsor, says this is one of the best ways to reduce poverty in the state. He says the bill would help 210,000 families in Iowa.
Republican Sen. Randy Feenstra of Hull says the proposed credit is too high and unrealistic. He proposed an amendment to offer a smaller tax break to more taxpayers, but it failed to garner enough support.
The measure now heads to the House.
