DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- The House speaker says he supports ending the ability of Iowans to deduct federal tax payments and funneling the money that change generates into middle class tax cuts.

In an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Speaker Pat Murphy says there's a good chance lawmakers will take up the proposal in the closing weeks of the legislative session. He says ending the deductions would let the state reduce tax rates and lower taxes for 80 percent of Iowans.

Iowa is among three states that allow deduction of federal tax payments.

The head of an anti-tax group promises a radio, television and direct mail campaign to build opposition. Iowans for Tax Relief president Ed Failor Jr. says Democrats only want to raise more money for state spending.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)