Iowa House of

Representatives

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 For More Information:

Rep. Reichert, 515-281-0817

REICHERT SUPPORTS MEASURE TO PROTECT PROPERTY OWNERS

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Nathan Reichert of Muscatine supported a plan in the Iowa House today to protect property owners from having their land taken for private development. The House passed legislation which effectively stops local governments from using their eminent domain powers to take private property for economic development purposes.

“The vote today in the House is a victory for property owners,” said Reichert. “Local government has legitimate reasons to use its power for public improvements like roads, but no one should be forced to sell their property so some private developer can make more money off the land.”

The Iowa House action was in response to a United States Supreme Court ruling last June which upheld a Connecticut city's condemnation of private property for retail development. The House bill would prevent the same situation from occurring in Iowa.

"I believe strongly in economic development and creating high-paid, high-skilled jobs," said Reichert. "But government shouldn't forcibly take Iowans' property to fulfill its economic development goals. We can strengthen Iowa's economy while still respecting the rights of property owners.

The Iowa House also approved an amendment which would prevent property owners from paying higher property taxes if government acquires their property for legitimate public improvements. "Property owners forced to relocate when eminent domain is employed for a public use should not have to pay higher property taxes on their replacement property, and this amendment would prevent that from happening for ten years." said Reichert.

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