Second Week of Session Highlights

Trailing Spouse UI Benefits Clears Committee

While more than $1 billion of unemployment benefits were paid out of Iowa's unemployment insurance trust fund during 2009, raising UI taxes by 50% beginning January 2010, the Iowa Legislature is back to expand eligibility for benefits. In the 2009 legislative session, ABI was able to minimize the impact on Iowa employers in legislation which expanded benefit eligibility, but new legislation approved by the House Veteran's Affairs Committee will grant benefits to spouses of military personnel who voluntarily quit their jobs. Continue reading>>>

Wrongful Death Bill Rises from the Dead

On the last night of the 2009 session, the Iowa Senate brought up HF 758 which allows non-economic damages for "loss of enjoyment of life" in wrongful death lawsuits. The bill creates another subjective claim in an overly litigious tort system and puts Iowa out of the mainstream of civil liability systems as less than 5 states allow such a claim. Continue reading>>>

Other Bad for Business Bills Approved by Committee This Week

HF 2075 - Mandates private health insurance plans to cover cancer clinical trials, increasing cost of health insurance.

HF 234 - Mandates coverage of all mental illness including alcohol and substance abuse which could increase premiums 5-6%. (Iowa currently requires mental health coverage for the eight biologically based illnesses.) Continue reading>>>

State Reorganization on Fast Track

The Senate State Government Committee has passed a sweeping government reorganization bill and the House State Government Committee has held an initial subcommittee with many meetings to follow. The legislation has a few divisions ABI is watching, and if you're interested in reading the full 252 page bill you can go here.

UNI Panthers Tickets

ABI is auctioning off four (4) Premium tickets to see the nationally ranked UNI Panthers Men's Basketball team seek revenge against league rival Wichita State. Proceeds go to help ABI elect pro-business legislators. The game is February 3, so BID NOW to see what Sports Illustrated calls "the hottest team" in America.

Save the Date!

The annual "ABI Day on the Hill" will be held on Wednesday, March 10 at the Iowa Historical Building. With the shortened session, it's important to keep in touch with legislators and tell them of any concerns you have with proposed legislation.