Legislative News

ABI Day on the Hill

ABI business leaders took their message to the State Capitol Wednesday for ABI's annual Day on the Hill. This year's group met at the State Historical Building for a morning briefing by ABI's government relations team and then shuttled to the Capitol for private meetings with Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) and House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha). Continue reading>>>

Labor Bills Kept Alive

The House on Wednesday referred HF 2420, which violates Right to Work, and HF 2421, requiring a Prevailing Wage, to the House Ways and Means Committee. This procedural move keeps these bad for business bills alive. As reported last week, these bills did not survive the legislature's self-imposed funnel deadlines to advance by March 5. ABI and members must remain vigilant to stop these bills from passage until the legislature adjourns near the end of March.

UI Expansion/Day Off for Veterans Bills Pass Senate

On Monday, the Iowa Senate approved HF 2197 requiring employers give veterans a paid or unpaid day off on Veterans Day. The Senate amended the bill and it is now on Thursday's House Debate Calendar awaiting final approval. If the legislation is signed by Governor Culver, Iowa will be one of the first states in the nation to mandate private employers give veterans the day off. Continue reading>>>

Tax Credit Bill Introduced

Thursday lawmakers introduced HSB 738, a long-awaited proposal looking at Iowa's tax credits. The bill contains several components, including the creation of a Legislative Tax Expenditure Committee to regularly review and make recommendations on reauthorization of credits in future years. The committee is also charged to develop a "return on investment" analysis. An interim committee is also created to study the 260E Industrial Jobs Training Program. Other key components of the bill include: Continue reading>>>

Revenue Estimating Conference Meets

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets Thursday afternoon to predict revenues for the next quarter. Legislative leaders have stated if revenues are larger than predicted, it will not alter the current budget proposals. If revenues decrease, the legislature will have to make additional cuts to the budget.

Governor Appoints ABI Members

Govenor Chet Culver made a number of appointments to state Boards and Commissions last week. The Senate must confirm those appointments with 2/3 vote before adjournment expected as soon as the end of March. A number of ABI members were appointed to boards including:

Toby Shine, Shine Bros.; John Lisle, Lisle Corp.; David Bernstein, State Steel, to the Iowa Department of Economic Development Board.

Fred Hubbell, Hubbell Realty, to the Iowa Power Fund Board; Robin Anderson, Mason City Chamber, to the Iowa Great Places Board; and Ken Anderson, Marshalltown Chamber, to the Iowa Workforce Development Board. Robin and Ken were confirmed by the Iowa Senate on Wednesday.

Other appointments to note include: Mark Schuling, Director Iowa Department of Revenue; Nancy Richardson, Director of Iowa Department of Transportation; John Peno, Labor Representative to Employment Appeal Board.