Legislative News

Aug 31, 2023

Boards and Commissions Review Committee Recommends Substantive Changes

Apr 14, 2022

Week 14 Update: Catalytic Convertors

Another issue that ABI is following relates to catalytic converter theft.

Apr 7, 2022

$100 Million Investment to Promote Iowa

This week, Gov. Reynolds announced an investment of $100 million for Destination Iowa.

Mar 17, 2022

Federal Spotlight: President Biden Signs Executive Order on Digital Assets

President Joe Biden recently signed an Executive Order related to digital assets.

Mar 17, 2022

Iowa Unemployment Rate Drops in January

This latest unemployment rate is slightly below the national unemployment rate for January, which increased to 4.0%. 

Feb 18, 2022

Iowa Legislature Reaches First Major Deadline - House Passes Tax Bill

Two key developments tied to ABI’s public policy priorities emerged under the golden dome this week. Senate lawmakers passed the comprehensive re-employment and tort reform package out of the Senate Commerce Committee this week, and the full Iowa House chamber debated and passed its tax reform bill, HF 2317, with bipartisan support. 

Jan 7, 2022

Governor Announces Broadband Award Recipients

On Tuesday, Governor Reynolds and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) announced over $200 million in awards for industry seeking to implement broadband infrastructure across the state.

Oct 22, 2021

REC Projecting Steady Growth for FY22 and FY23

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) convened last Friday and projects the State of Iowa will see stable growth for the current and coming fiscal years. 

Oct 22, 2021

Iowa Governor Announces MFG 4.0 Grants and Reforms for Unemployment Insurance

Governor Kim Reynolds announced two new programs to address Iowa’s workforce shortage this week. 

Oct 1, 2021

State Ends FY21 With Record Budget Surplus

This week, the State of Iowa closed the books on Fiscal Year 2021 with a $1.24 billion budget surplus.

Sep 24, 2021

Unemployment Rate Remains Steady

Iowa’s unemployment rate was 4.1% for the month of August, which is the same as it was in July. August’s unemployment rate nationally was 5.2%. 

Sep 9, 2021

Governor Announces Monumental Investment in Housing

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds plans to invest $100 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds into a number of programs aimed at expanding housing options in Iowa. 

Jul 30, 2021

CDC Issues New Guidance on Mask Wearing for Vaccinated Individuals

Jul 9, 2021

Iowa Sees Extraordinary Growth in Fiscal Year 2021

Iowa’s treasury took in more than $8.1 billion for FY21, which translates into a double-digit growth for state collections over FY20.

Apr 30, 2021

Governor Reynolds Signs Broadband Legislation

On Wednesday, Governor Reynolds signed HF 848, a public policy bill that will ultimately facilitate the proliferation of high-speed broadband across the state

Apr 30, 2021

Two Other ABI-Backed Bills Head to Governor Reynolds

The House approved SF 567 and the Senate approved HF 523.

Apr 30, 2021

Iowa House Approves Legislation to Prohibit Vaccine Verification

This week, the House passed a bill that would prohibit state and local governments from issuing identification cards that indicate whether or not an individual has been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Mar 18, 2021

Unemployment Rate Hits 3.5% for January

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.5 percent from December.

Feb 4, 2021

Week Four Concludes; ABI Priorities Taking Shape

Several of the policy priorities identified by ABI members during the past summer and fall are on the move. 

Nov 5, 2020

Governor Announces Earn and Learn Grant Awardees

On Tuesday, Gov. Reynolds declared that 46 awardees would receive funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund Earn and Learn Grant totaling up to $5.85 million.

Oct 29, 2020

Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Opportunity

On Monday, Gov. Reynolds announced that $5 million would be available for another round of grants for broadband deployment across the state. 

Sep 24, 2020

Employee Voter Registration Week Ends Tomorrow

Employee Voter Registration Week wraps up tomorrow. 

Jul 23, 2020

Absentee Ballot Requests Mailed to Voters for General Election

Iowa Secretary of State (SOS) Paul Pate will send absentee ballot requests to all active registered voters this fall for the general election after being granted this authority by the Legislative Council last Friday.

Jul 23, 2020

EPIC Interviews to Take Place Next Week

Economic Progress for Iowa’s Citizens (EPIC) interviews will be held at ABI next Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Jun 25, 2020

Governor Issues Executive Order Establishing Economic Recovery Advisory Board

On Thursday, June 19, Gov. Reynolds signed Executive Order 6, which creates the Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board aimed at modernizing Iowa’s economy through education, health care, workforce and quality of life. 

Jun 4, 2020

REC Projects Smaller Budget for FY21

The Revenue Estimating Conference predicted the budget will need to be lowered by approximately $65 million for the coming fiscal year. 

Apr 30, 2020

ABI Signs on to U.S. Chamber Letter Sent to Insurance Division

Vice President of Public Policy JD Davis, on behalf of ABI, recently signed on to comments spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, which were submitted to the Iowa Insurance Division. 

Apr 16, 2020

More to Come: IWD Policy on Potential Employer Charge

In last week’s newsletter you read about the announcement by IWD to implement a trust fund balance trigger and start charging individual employers’ accounts for COVID-related layoffs as opposed to the trust fund balance. 

Apr 16, 2020

Reynolds Elaborates on Economic Recovery Task Force

On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds first hinted at an economic recovery task force she is establishing to address the issues posed by COVID-19. 

Mar 26, 2020

Governor Continues to Lead; Secures Orders Helping Small Businesses Affected By COVID-19

Gov. Reynolds and her team have been listening to and responding to the needs of the business community.

Jan 2, 2020

Empower Rural Iowa Recommendations Unveiled

The Empower Rural Iowa task forces recently released their recommendations for the 2020 legislative session. 

Dec 12, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs Onto Cadillac Tax Repeal Letter

ABI recently added its name to a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) encouraging them to come to an agreement to fully repeal the Affordable Care Act’s “Cadillac Tax” by the end of the year.

Dec 5, 2019

Crain Speaks at BIPAC Annual Deployment Partner Meeting

This afternoon, Nicole Crain will provide other state associations around the country with an update about ABI’s advocacy efforts. 

Nov 7, 2019

Take Advantage of the IAVotes Caucus Toolkit

With the 2019 election behind us, Iowa voters have fully turned their attention to the Iowa caucuses, which will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2020.

Oct 24, 2019

Opportunity to Comment on DOT Transit Plan

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking feedback from stakeholders about its long-range public transit plan.

Oct 16, 2019

Workforce Housing Tax Credits Available for Counties Under Disaster Declaration

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced Tuesday that $10 million in workforce housing tax credits are now available for counties that have been issued a Presidential Disaster declaration and are qualified housing projects.

Sep 26, 2019

Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Applications Available

The offices of Gov. Reynolds and the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) jointly announced last week that grant applications for private sector communication services providers and public entities seeking to expand rural high-speed internet services in underserved areas of the state are now available.

Sep 5, 2019

Last Call: USMCA Letter Sign-On-Deadline TODAY

Reminder: If you haven’t yet signed onto the Iowa letter supporting USMCA, the deadline is TODAY at 5 p.m.

Jul 18, 2019

Iowa Sets Another Record for New Business Filings

Secretary of State Paul Pate declared Iowans broke the record for new business filings with 24,720 filings this fiscal year. 

May 23, 2019

Empower Rural Iowa Signed into Law

The governor, surrounded by Lt. Gov. Gregg and several legislators, signed HF 772 into law on Monday afternoon in Wilton.

May 16, 2019

Gov. Reynolds Signs Right of Way Bill

Last Friday, Gov. Reynolds signed HF 537, legislation that makes clear what fees and costs a local government can collect from public utilities when it comes to managing the right of way. 

May 2, 2019

Governor Signs E-Notary Legislation

On Monday, Gov. Reynolds signed SF 475, which will allow electronic notarization for business transactions in Iowa beginning July 1, 2020.

Apr 25, 2019

Empower Rural Iowa Legislation Heads to Governor

On Tuesday, the House acted upon the task force recommendations by passing the Empower Rural Iowa Act 97-0.

Apr 18, 2019

Senate Ways and Means Advances Broadband Legislation

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) moved a portion of Gov. Reynolds' Empower Rural Iowa Initiative through committee on Wednesday. 

Apr 11, 2019

Empower Rural Iowa Advances Out of House Ways and Means

The House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday afternoon amended and passed HSB 204, which is the governor’s Empower Rural Iowa legislation related to broadband policy and increasing the workforce housing tax credit cap. 

Mar 21, 2019

Senate Passes Grid Equity Legislation

On Monday, the Iowa Senate passed SF 583 with a bipartisan vote of 28-19. 

Mar 21, 2019

Senate Subcommittee Advances Empower Rural Iowa Legislation

Late Thursday morning, three members of a Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee met to discuss SSB 1193, which is the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa initiative. 

Mar 7, 2019

Empower Rural Iowa Legislation Advances

Members of a House Ways and Means subcommittee met Wednesday to discuss HSB 204. 

Jan 31, 2019

IEDA & IFA Director Durham Speaks to Economic Development Subcommittee

On Tuesday, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham presented before the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. 

Jan 17, 2019

Justice Cady Commends Business Specialty Court

ABI members were highlighted in Gov. Reynolds' speech on Tuesday and Chief Justice Cady’s speech on Wednesday. 

Dec 13, 2018

IIPAC Needs Your Investment Today

With the 2019 legislative session set to convene in one month, we need you to support IIPAC now more than ever.

Nov 1, 2018

IIPAC Contributors Invited to Election Night Event

IIPAC investors are invited to a special legislative event in conjunction with EPIC on election night from 8-11 p.m.

Sep 20, 2018

Air Permitting Workgroup to Meet

If you're interested in learning more about streamlining permitting in Iowa and addressing regulatory challenges, you are welcome to join this group. 

Aug 16, 2018

Empower Rural Iowa Board Announced

Gov. Reynolds announced her appointments to the Empower Rural Iowa Board today.

Mar 22, 2018

Energy Legislation Update

The Iowa Legislature is currently considering two proposals related to energy policy.

Mar 16, 2018

Amended Energy Legislation Advances Commerce Committee

Members of the House Commerce Committee voted on party lines Thursday to amend and pass SF 2311. 

Mar 8, 2018

Water Filter Regulatory Reform Approved by Senate

SF 2330, a bill supported by ABI that allows national certification of water filters and removes the Department of Public Health from conducting a separate certification, passed the Senate 48-2.

Mar 8, 2018

Comprehensive Energy Legislation Approved by Iowa Senate

Late Tuesday night, members of the Iowa Senate approved SF 2311, an omnibus energy bill.

Mar 1, 2018

Final-stage Manufacturer Legislation Sent to Governor

The Iowa House on Thursday unanimously passed SF 2262, which cleared the Senate last week on a vote of 49-0.

Feb 8, 2018

Pro-manufacturing Legislation Advances

This week, members of the House Commerce Committee unanimously advanced HSB 593.

Feb 1, 2018

First Quarter IIPAC Newsletter to Publish on Monday

The first newsletter of 2018 will be sent on Monday, Feb. 5. 

Nov 22, 2017

Early-bird Registration for Legislative Briefing and Reception Ends Soon

Early-bird registration for the ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception at the Iowa Tap Room ends Dec. 7, 2017.

Sep 28, 2017

Broad Federal Tax Reform Framework Unveiled

With the lack of progress on health care reform, Congress and the Trump Administration officially moved forward this week by unveiling a unified framework for federal tax reform Wednesday. 

Aug 17, 2017

Take Action: Help support the Iowa biodiesel industry

The EPA recently proposed no increase in the 2019 Biomass-Based Diesel volume and  reduced the 2018 Advanced Biofuel volume by 40 million gallons under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The biomass-based diesel industry is at a critical time and the recent EPA Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) was a new blow to growth.

Jul 20, 2017

Focus on ABI Policy Committees: Economic Growth

Mar 2, 2017

Take Action: Encourage lawmakers to support workers’ compensation legislation

Legislation that will make needed updates to Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws moved out of lengthy subcommittees in the House and Senate on Wednesday.

Jan 26, 2017

Apprenticeship bill moves forward

Dec 22, 2016

Register for ABI’s Legislative Briefing and Reception

More than 300 people are already registered for next month’s Legislative Briefing and Reception. Don’t miss this opportunity to join them and lawmakers from across the state to talk about issues important to your organization and Iowa businesses in general.

Dec 15, 2016

Gov., Lt. Gov encourages public-private partnership for broadband

The Branstad/Reynolds administration has announced a Blue Ribbon Initiative, a public private effort to raise $2 million to expand community broadband planning throughout the state of Iowa.

Nov 3, 2016

ABI engages with DNR on air quality and water issues

Last week, ABI staff and members of the ABI Environment Committee attended a stakeholder meeting hosted by Air Quality Bureau to talk about the budget for next year. The department is facing a budget shortfall in the Title V program due to reduction in air emissions.

Sep 15, 2016

NCCI workers’ compensation rate decrease accepted

The Iowa Insurance Division on Sept. 9, approved the 2017 Workers’ Compensation average rate decrease of 4.7 percent from 2016 rates, initially filed in August by National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). The new lower rate takes effect January 1, 2017.

Sep 1, 2016

Yanney appointed to Enhance Iowa Board

Past ABI Chair Charese Yanney of Guarantee Roofing and Siding was among those appointed this week to the Enhance Iowa Board, which will carry on the economic development-related duties of the Vision Iowa Board.

Aug 18, 2016

DOT Director Trombino speaks about transportation, energy

Paul Trombino, director of the Iowa Department of Transportation, discussed department efficiencies and technological advancements when he addressed the ABI Economic Growth Committee on Tuesday.

Jun 23, 2016

ABI’s PAC Board to meet July 22

The ABI PAC Board will meet July 22 to consider “Friend of Iowa Business” endorsements.

Apr 21, 2016

Economic Development initiatives advance

Apr 7, 2016

Branstad signs biochemical tax credit bill

Mar 24, 2016

Economic development proposals advance

The Iowa Legislature is working on two bills in particular pertaining to economic development in Iowa.

Dec 10, 2015

Revenue estimating conference predicts 4% growth

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC), met Thursday to give its December estimate for state revenues.