Special sessions are open for public viewing

LEE COUNTY – The special session called for Friday morning to reconsider the IEDA’s MEGA tax incentives will be open to the public and will begin at 8:30 a.m.
The public is invited to sit in the galleries and to observe  subcommittee discussions and the full floor votes.
Iowa Governor  Kim Reynolds is asking for both chambers to consider resetting the MEGA incentives by doubling them for the size of the proposed $15 billion investment in Lee County, Iowa. The investment is planned to be the largest steel mill ever built in the United States and will connect Mesabi Metallics iron ore facility in Nashwauk, Minnesota with the Green Bay bottoms via the Mississippi River and rail systems.
The Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) initiative currently has parameters set with the following incentives for those commiting to investing a billion dollars at a minimum in the state.
MEGA incentives are negotiated on a project-by-project basis and depend on factors such as investment size, job creation, wage levels, economic impact and level of need.
Current potential benefits include:
• Refundable investment tax credit of up to 5% of qualifying investment
• Withholding tax credit of up to 3% for eligible new jobs
• Refund of state sales, service or use taxes paid during construction
Awards are subject to approval by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board.
Projects must meet the following requirements:
• Business operations in advanced manufacturing, biosciences, or research and development
• New jobs paying at least 140% of the qualifying wage threshold at project completion
• Location at an Iowa Certified Site of at least 250 acres or the business must have a controlling interest in the site.
• Provision of a qualifying employee benefits package for all full-time employees
• No affiliation with foreign adversaries.
Rep. Matt Rinker (R-Burlington) responded earlier this week as did his opponent Jennifer E. Klever-Kirkman (D-Burlington), Rinker is  the  incumbent in the District 99 House race on Nov. 3
Rinker said the announcement is good news for the area.
 "As a Burlington native, I recognize this announcement for what it is: a once-in-a-generation economic development victory for Iowa,” Rinker said. “Since being elected to the Iowa House, my priorities have included securing high-paying careers to ensure more people can call Iowa home and keeping our state competitive in manufacturing apprenticeships and training. The announcement of one of the largest steel plants in American history built right here in Iowa shows that the work we’ve done at the Statehouse, including reducing the tax burden and keeping government spending fiscally responsible is working. In the House, I will fight to deliver this opportunity for my district.
Kirkman said projects like this can play an important role in strengthening the regional economy.
“A new steel facility could bring good-paying jobs, support local businesses, expand our industrial base, and generate economic activity that benefits communities throughout the region,” she said.
“Just as importantly, I believe union labor should be a central part of that opportunity. Strong unions help workers have a voice on the job, negotiate fair wages and benefits, and establish high standards for workplace safety and training. When major industrial investments create opportunities for skilled tradespeople and other workers to build careers that can support a family, the benefits extend well beyond the plant itself."
Both the Iowa House and Senate will gavel into session at 8:30 a.m. and immediately go into subcommittee discussions before a full vote is taken in both chambers. Any action approved during the special session would have to go Governor Kim Reynolds for a signature. Reynolds called the special session on Tuesday morning. The sessions are not included in legislator per diem, but mileage is reimbursable.