State Senator Matt McCoy via Des Moines Register
A consumer rebate initiative funded by the federal recovery act starts soon and could save you money on new appliances and your energy bills.
Similar to last year’s “cash for clunkers” automotive rebate program, the Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate program gives consumers money back when they purchase new, energy efficient appliances.
Another benefit is that these new appliances – including furnaces, air conditioners, refrigerators, washers and dryers – cost less to operate.
A total of $2.8 million will be available for Iowa rebates ranging from $100 to $500. Rebates are for appliances purchased after March 1 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Money is expected to be exhausted within two weeks, so if you’ve been thinking of getting new appliances for your home, act quickly.
Also keep in mind that the appliances purchased through this program may be eligible for tax credits, as well as additional rebates offered by your utility companies.
Learn more about the appliance rebate program at www.energy.iowa.gov.
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This fall, Iowa voters will have the opportunity to create a Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. This would be a protected funding source for Iowa’s natural resources, soil conservation and water quality.
The Senate Natural Resources Committee recently passed Senate Study Bill 3198, which outlines how the trust fund would be managed. The bill requires an annual audit to ensure that all money is spent properly.
The effort to establish the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund is the result of three years of work by the Sustainable Funding Advisory Committee, which was created by the Legislature to find ways to improve state programs for natural resources and outdoor recreation.
STATE SEN. MATT MCCOY, D-Des Moines, represents District 31. The district includes parts of the city’s west and south sides. He can be reached weekdays at 281-3371 and on weekends at 274-0561. E-mail him at Matt.McCoy@legis.state.ia.us. He also has a Web site: www.senate.iowa.gov/mccoy.
