ABI Board Sets 2020 Legislative Priorities

October 11, 2019 | ABI writes Nicole Crain, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, ncrain@iowaabi.org

At the conclusion of the 2019 legislative session, ABI staff traveled around the state to provide a legislative update to members and to get feedback about the key issues facing Iowa business leaders in all corners of the state. In August, more than 175 members in all industry sectors met in Des Moines to review and make recommendations for the association’s 2020 legislative policies. The ABI Board of Directors discussed and established the 2020 policies and priorities during their September meeting in Cedar Rapids. When the policy development was completed, approximately 300 people participated in the grassroots, member-driven process.

Thanks to the strong participation, the association continues to be seen as a resource to elected officials and those in state government. ABI staff looks forward to the opportunity to represent you and share your priorities with all 150 state legislators and the governor next year. With that, we want to share with you the priorities approved by the ABI Board of Directors at its September meeting:

2020 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry has proudly served as the voice of Iowa Business since 1903. A member-driven organization, representing 1,500 member businesses that employ more than 330,000 working Iowans, ABI’s 2020 legislative priorities reflect the goals of business and community leaders in Iowa’s 99 counties.

Workforce

ABI supports legislative efforts to recruit, retrain and retain talent in the state. ABI encourages the Legislature to continue funding Future Ready Iowa, work-based learning opportunities, apprenticeship programs and other initiatives that will help upskill our existing workforce and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. ABI supports innovative solutions and incentives to help businesses and employees overcome barriers to employment, such as childcare and adequate and available workforce housing. Further, as part of ensuring a qualified workforce, ABI encourages the Legislature to enact policies that are conducive to safe workplaces and that allow employers to address drug and alcohol use.

Competitive Business Climate

In order to compete in a global economy, Iowa must have a business climate that is conducive to attracting and maintaining businesses. ABI encourages the Legislature to continue broadband expansion to ensure that businesses can attract workers to all parts of the state. ABI sup- ports efforts to enhance Iowa’s business tax climate in order to make our state an even more attractive place to do business.

Regulatory Reform

ABI members strive to comply with a wide scope of regulations at the local, state and federal levels. These regulations can often overlap, be outdated or are overly burdensome. Therefore, ABI supports:

  • Streamlining environmental permitting requirements, reducing cost and time for businesses and the state.
  • Modernizing notification requirements for employment drug testing.
  • Reviewing and eliminating policies and regulations that hinder small business expansion.