House Republicans hope to advance an alternative way for Iowans to file their state income taxes, but Republican Governor Terry Branstad says the reality is Democrats in the Iowa Senate won’t go for the idea. Nonetheless House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, the top Republican in the legislature, says Republicans in the House want to “have a conversation about income taxes.” “We’ve tried to have that conversation for several years now,” Paulsen says. “We’ve sent several proposals over to the senate and we have not had any success on landing on an idea that we can get to the governor’s desk.”

Iowa’s top income tax rate today is just under nine percent. One plan Paulsen and other Republicans have favored would allow Iowans to file under the present system or to opt pay a “flat tax” of four-and-a-half percent on their income. “We think that makes the state more inviting to employers and to individuals to come and invest in the state of Iowa and invest in our workforce,” Paulsen says. Branstad will lay out his priorities for the 2015 legislative session next Tuesday, but income tax reform won’t be on his list.

“I believe in recommending things that have a realistic chance of getting bipartisan approval and I don’t see that as something that’s going to happen this session,” Branstad says. While Branstad supports the idea of a flat tax that would lower Iowa’s top income tax rate, the governor says key Democrats like the long-time chairman of the Senate’s tax-writing committee will not even consider it. Democrats say a “flat” state income tax of four-and-a-half percent would be a big tax break for upper income Iowans.

Senate Democratic Leader Mike Gronstal says Democrats are interested in making the tax system fairer, to help more Iowans move into the middle class. “We have always been open to discussions about targeted tax relief that will help grow Iowa’s economy,” Gronstal says. The 2015 legislative session begins Monday.

(Radio Iowa)

The waiting rooms in many of Iowa’s hospitals are packed with people suffering from the flu. Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) medical director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says it’s critical for those who are at high risk for complications and those who are suffering from more severe symptoms — such as trouble breathing — to contact their health care provider. “This year, it’s especially important that you contact your health care provider quickly because we know the strain of the flu that’s going around right now can be quite serious. It’s causing some people to be hospitalized and even some deaths,” Quinlisk says.

The IDPH has confirmed two recent influenza-related deaths of children in Iowa, while a third is under investigation. The two confirmed victims, a 14-year-old girl from Redfield and a 3-year-old girl from Elk Horn, were both said to be healthy and had flu shots. Quinlisk is urging parents to contact their doctor right away if their child shows symptoms of the flu. “The antiviral medication that can be given to people to help them combat the flu has to be given within 24 to 48 hours within the onset of illness for it to be effective,” Quinlisk says.

Nationally, the flu outbreak has been declared an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Quinlisk says it’s not too late for Iowans to get the flu shot, even though the vaccine it’s not entirely effective in treating the strain known as influenza A. “While the flu shot is not 100-percent effective, it’s one of the best tools we have to provide you protection from getting seriously ill or dying of the flu,” Quinlisk says. In addition to vaccination, Quinlisk recommends following the “three Cs” for preventing flu illness: clean your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and confine germs by staying home when ill.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Public health officials are investigating the death of a 7-year-old Iowa boy who was diagnosed with influenza. The Iowa Department of Public Health says it’s investigating three pediatric deaths that they believe resulted from flu-related complications. The family of 7-year-old Travon Epps says the boy was taken to Blank Children’s Hospital on New Year’s Day. He was diagnosed with the flu and later died.

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say they’re investigating a shooting in southeast Iowa that left one person dead and an officer injured. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says the Burlington Police Department responded to a domestic dispute Tuesday morning. Authorities say the response resulted in a shooting that left one person dead and an officer receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (AP) — A Houston, Texas-based company has agreed to pay a $59,000 penalty as part of a settlement over alleged clean air and emergency planning violations at its facilities in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. Inhance Technologies LLC, formerly known as Fluoro-Seal International LP, will spend at least $180,000 on systems to recycle hazardous hydrogen fluoride gas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inspected the company’s Mount Pleasant, Iowa, facility in November 2010. Federal officials say the facility did not follow rules for using or storing certain types of hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals beyond specified threshold amounts.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Pharmacy Board recommends that state lawmakers reclassify a marijuana extract that is used to treat people with epilepsy. But the board has declined to make any broader changes supported by medical marijuana advocates.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s newly sworn-in Sen. Joni Ernst says she is thrilled to be getting down to business. Ernst was officially sworn in Tuesday morning in Washington. The Republican from Red Oak says she is excited to be working for Iowans and pledged to protect the state’s farmers and push for government efficiency.