Legislative News

Aug 27, 2021

Lawsuit Filed Against the Governor and Others Over Decision to End Federal UI Benefits

This week, a group of Iowans filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend and the State of Iowa this week over the decision to end federal unemployment insurance benefits early. 

Aug 27, 2021

Employer Vaccine Policy Remains Newsworthy

ABI strongly supports an employer’s right to manage their workplaces as they see fit within the framework of current Iowa law which includes requiring vaccination as a term of employment.

May 14, 2021

Governor Ends Iowa’s Participation in Federal Unemployment Benefits

The supplemental federal unemployment benefits will end June 12, 2021.

May 7, 2021

Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Confirmed to Another Term

This week, the Iowa Senate voted 46-2 in favor of confirming Joe Cortese to serve another six-year term as Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.

Apr 30, 2021

Revised Unemployment Insurance Legislation Advances

On Wednesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee approved SSB 1273, legislation that implements a one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits and eliminates bonus wage credits and benefit weeks when a business closing is involved. 

Mar 18, 2021

Governor Announces Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund Awardees

13 awardees have received the Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund.

Feb 11, 2021

Governor Announces Manufacturing Roadmap for Iowa

The governor just announced the state’s Manufacturing 4.0 roadmap to help Iowa manufacturers remain globally competitive. 

Jan 28, 2021

Iowa Unemployment Rate Drops to Second Lowest in the Nation

On Tuesday, Iowa Workforce Development announced the state’s unemployment rate had plunged to 3.1% for the month of December.

Jan 21, 2021

Opportunity to Apply for Employer Innovation Fund and Child Care Challenge Fund Grants

Last week, Gov. Reynolds announced employers, employer consortiums and others can now apply for two Future Ready Iowa grants.

Jan 14, 2021

Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News Update

On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that due to a shortage of supply in COVID-19 vaccines, the agency will be narrowing the list of Iowans eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1B.

Dec 17, 2020

Gov. Reynolds Announces Updates to Coronavirus Proclamation; Administration Seeks Employer Input on Vaccination Deployment

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, Iowa Gov. Reynolds held a press conference and announced that bars and restaurants may return to normal hours of operation while respecting distancing and masking requirements previously prescribed. 

Dec 17, 2020

Tens of Thousands of Iowa Employers Will See Unemployment Tax Relief Next Year Thanks to Gov. Reynolds’ Actions

Gov. Reynolds’ Office issued a press release on Monday that included a number of different measures she has taken to provide economic relief to small businesses, farmers, healthcare providers, individual families and others through the CARES Act block grant that Iowa received earlier this year.

Dec 17, 2020

Can Iowa Employers Require Employees to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine? In Most Cases, Yes.

As Iowa prepares to deploy and administer the COVID-19 vaccine over the coming weeks and months, companies might wonder if they can require individuals who work for them to receive the vaccine to ensure a safe working environment. 

Dec 17, 2020

DNR Air Quality Bureau Requests Feedback on Updated Communications Services

The Construction Permitting Section of the DNR Air Quality Bureau seeks comments regarding the most recent updates it has implemented concerning communications services. 

Dec 10, 2020

Governor, IDPH Unveil Updated Vaccine Plan for Iowa; First Vaccines Tentatively Scheduled to Arrive Next Week

Last Friday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) published its latest version of Iowa’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy.

Dec 3, 2020

Federal Panel Releases Recommendations for Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccines

A COVID-19 vaccine advisory panel announced on Tuesday that healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities should be the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Nov 12, 2020

Vaccine Close: What is Iowa’s Approach?

With news of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trials going well and a vaccine available to some before the end of the year, we want to share IDPH’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy draft. 

Nov 5, 2020

Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Continue to Move Down

IWD announced there were 4,964 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of Oct. 25-31. 

Oct 29, 2020

Register for Upcoming National Apprenticeship Week Webinar

The State of Iowa will host a webinar in two weeks that aims to educate and recruit employers on how they can use Registered Apprenticeship programs to advance and build a skilled workforce in their communities.

Oct 22, 2020

Apply for New COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant; Registered Apprenticeship Expansion Grant Awardees Announced

On Monday, Gov. Reynolds announced the awardees of the Registered Apprenticeship Expansion Grant. 

Oct 22, 2020

Unemployment Rate Plunges in September

Iowa Workforce Development announced on Tuesday the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September fell to 4.7%.

Oct 15, 2020

ABI Amicus Mentioned in Iowa Supreme Court Hearings

On Wednesday, the Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments in McCann et al v. Casey’s et al. 

Oct 15, 2020

Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Track Downwards

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 4,644 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of Oct. 4-10. 

Oct 8, 2020

Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Slide Down

IWD announced there were 4,730 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3.

Oct 1, 2020

Initial and Continuing Unemployment Claims Lower

Sep 24, 2020

Action Item: U.S. Chamber Foundation Seeking Employer Participation in Childcare Survey

Your input is essential to helping all business and civic leaders return to work and best support the childcare needs of working parents. 

Sep 24, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Tick Up; Trust Fund Payments Slightly Decrease

IWD announced there were 6,601 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of September 13-19.

Sep 24, 2020

Iowa’s Unemployment Rate for August Shrinks

IWD announced last week that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.0% for the month of August. 

Sep 24, 2020

COVID-19 Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Awardees Announced

On Wednesday, Gov. Reynolds announced the entities that will receiving funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund Employer Innovation Fund Grant. 

Sep 17, 2020

Initial, Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Fall Again

IWD announced there were 4,962 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of September 6-12. 

Sep 10, 2020

Initial, Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Continue Decline

IWD announced there were 5,689 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of August 30 through September 5. 

Sep 10, 2020

Return to Learn Employer Survey

CIRAS, an ABI partner, is seeking input from employers regarding what companies are doing in the childcare care realm and how companies are transitioning since COVID.

Sep 3, 2020

Unemployment Insurance Tax Tables Remain the Same for 2021

In tremendous news for the business community, Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) officially announced Monday that Iowa employers will remain in Tax Table 7 for 2021. 

Sep 3, 2020

Initial, Continuing Unemployment Claims and Trust Fund Payments Shrink

IWD announced there were 6,377 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of August 23-29. 

Sep 3, 2020

New Workers' Compensation Rates Remain Stable

Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen approved the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) August 3, 2020 workers' compensation rate filing with an overall increase of 0.3%.

Aug 27, 2020

Governor Allocates $5 Million of CARES Act Funding to Employer Innovation Fund

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced yesterday she will take $5 million from the funds Iowa has received through the CARES Act and put that toward the Iowa Employer Innovation Fund.

Aug 27, 2020

IWD to Reimplement Work Search Requirements Next Month

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced last week the work search requirement for those seeking unemployment benefits will be reinstated for claimants–with a few exceptions related to COVID-19–on Sept. 8.

Aug 27, 2020

Unemployment Trust Fund Payments Similar to Last Week; Derecho Likely to Blame for Increase in Continuing Claims

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 6,954 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of Aug. 16-22.

Aug 27, 2020

Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Dives in July

IWD issued a news release last Friday indicating Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 6.6% in the month of July. 

Aug 20, 2020

Iowa’s Application for Lost Wages Assistance Program Approved

Last Saturday, FEMA signed off on the State of Iowa’s request to take advantage of the Lost Wages Assistance Program recently authorized by President Trump through an executive order.

Aug 20, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Creep Up; Trust Fund Payments Continue Decline

IWD announced there were 6,544 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of Aug. 9-15.

Aug 13, 2020

Initial Unemployment, Continuing Claims Down Again

IWD announced there were 5,282 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of August 2-8.

Aug 6, 2020

Initial Unemployment, Continuing Claims Down from Last Week

IWD announced there were 6,765 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of July 26-August 1. 

Jul 30, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Fall from Last Week

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 7,441 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of July 19-25. 

Jul 23, 2020

Continuing Unemployment Claims See Significant Drop From Last Week

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 9,505 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of July 12-18. 

Jul 23, 2020

Unemployment Rate Drops to 8% for Month of June

Last week, Iowa Workforce Development announced that Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate had dropped to 8% for June, which is a full two-point drop from May when we were at 10%.

Jul 16, 2020

Unemployment Numbers Similar to Last Week

IWD announced there were 10,369 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of July 5-11. 

Jul 9, 2020

Update on ABI’s Lawsuit Against Waterloo

As you will recall, ABI took legal action against the City of Waterloo after the passage of its ordinance related to hiring practices that violated state law.

Jul 9, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Rise, But Continuing Claims Decrease

IWD announced there were 10,698 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of June 28 through July 4. 

Jul 2, 2020

Gov. Reynolds Acts to Prevent Unemployment Withholding Tax Increase in 2021

Historically high levels of unemployment related to COVID-19 in Iowa have led to unprecedented claims on Iowa’s Unemployment Trust Fund.

Jul 2, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Remain Relatively Low

IWD announced there were 8,300 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of June 21-27. 

Jun 25, 2020

Iowa Unemployment Rate Slightly Drops In May

Iowa Workforce Development announced last week that Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 10.0% for the month of May.

Jun 18, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Remain Steady

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 9,516 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of June 7-13.

Jun 11, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Continue to Remain Low

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced there were 10,112 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of May 31 through June 6.

May 28, 2020

IWD: New Initial Unemployment Claims and CARES Act Funding for Trust Fund Support

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced today there were 14,586 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of May 17-23. 

May 21, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Continue to Fall as People Head Back to Work

With more businesses getting back into operations, initial unemployment claims for the week of May 10-16 fell to just over 12,000. 

May 14, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Soften, But Payments Continue to Climb

As more businesses begin to reopen their doors, initial unemployment claims for the week of May 3-9 dropped to a little under 17,000. 

May 7, 2020

Unemployment Payments Remain Steady

Iowa Workforce Development announced today there were just under 25,000 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of April 26 through May 2. 

Apr 30, 2020

IWD Unveils Guidance for Employers and Employees on Unemployment Claims

On Monday, Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) issued a news release that provides more clarity for both employers and employees when it comes to unemployment claims related to COVID-19. 

Apr 30, 2020

Unemployment Payments Continue to Mount

IWD announced today there were just under 29,000 initial unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of April 19-25. 

Apr 23, 2020

Initial Unemployment Claims Down, Substantial Increase in Payout

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced today there were just under 28,000 unemployment claims filed by individuals for the week of April 12-18. 

Apr 16, 2020

IWD Releases Initial Unemployment Claims for Last Week

Iowa Workforce Development announced 46,356 individuals filed for unemployment for the week of April 5-11. 

Apr 9, 2020

Iowa Workforce Development Updates Unemployment Policy

IWD continues to update and change some of its initial policy decisions on unemployment after the passage of federal legislation, additional guidance from the Department of Labor and responding to extra stress on the unemployment insurance trust fund. 

Apr 9, 2020

District Judge Rules for Waterloo, ABI Appeals

A district court judge early Monday ruled for the city of Waterloo on its local criminal history ordinance that violates the state’s preemption statute.

Apr 2, 2020

IWD Updates Leave Policy for Employees Affected by Coronavirus

Iowa Workforce Development announced on Monday that employees who will be or are laid off, or are unable to work, due to the coronavirus will no longer be required to use all paid leave prior to being eligible for unemployment benefits. 

Mar 19, 2020

Opportunity to Provide Feedback on Coronavirus

Early next week, ABI policy staff will send an email to members of all five public policy committees requesting feedback.

Mar 19, 2020

Employer and Employee Unemployment Claim Assistance Available

On Monday, Gov. Reynolds announced assistance for those employers and employees who are dealing with unemployment claims related directly or indirectly to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Feb 13, 2020

First Legislative Deadline Is Next Week; Job Crushers Advance

With one week until the first funnel, several bad for business bills have moved through the first step in the legislative process, which is the passage of a subcommittee panel of three legislators.

Jan 9, 2020

ABI Files Lawsuit Against Waterloo Over Ban The Box Ordinance

Last week, ABI filed a petition against the city of Waterloo for the city’s criminal history ordinance that was passed late last year.

Dec 12, 2019

Governor’s FOCUS Committee Announces Recommendations

On Wednesday, Gov. Reynolds' committee on criminal justice reform met for the final time this year and laid out recommendations for the Legislature.

Dec 5, 2019

Second Round of Employer Innovation Fund Grants Announced

On Tuesday, Gov. Reynolds announced 22 additional recipients of grants from the Employer Innovation Fund, which is a component of Future Ready Iowa.

Dec 5, 2019

Hartkopf Attends Governor’s Criminal Justice Reform Committee Meeting

Director of Public Policy Brad Hartkopf joined stakeholders for the latest meeting of Gov. Reynolds' FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform.

Nov 27, 2019

ABI to Participate in DOC/IWD Business Advisory Team Meeting Next Week

ABI has been invited by the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Workforce Development to be a member of the Adult Re-entry and Employment Business Advisory Team.

Nov 21, 2019

ABI Attends Governor’s Criminal Justice Reform Committee

Brad Hartkopf, director of public policy, joined stakeholders for Gov. Reynolds’ third FOCUS Committee meeting on Criminal Justice Reform at the Capitol on Wednesday.

Nov 21, 2019

Governor Announces Last-Dollar Scholarship Recipients

ABI was on hand Tuesday when Gov. Reynolds announced more than 5,800 Iowa students have been awarded Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarships for fall 2019. 

Nov 14, 2019

Member Support Needed to Stop Waterloo Ban the Box

Now the ordinance has passed, we must take action to challenge it and ensure no other locality enacts policy that conflicts and exceeds the state law. 

Nov 7, 2019

Waterloo Approves Final Amendments to Ban The Box Ordinance

On Monday, the Waterloo City Council passed the amended final reading of a local ban the box ordinance by a vote of 4-3. 

Nov 7, 2019

Board Recommends Removing THC Cap, Adding PTSD To Medical Conditions List

The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board recently met and signed off on recommendations that encourage the Legislature to eliminate the current 3% THC cap and impose a purchase limit when it comes to Iowa’s medical cannabidiol program.

Oct 24, 2019

Deadline for Iowa Employer Innovation Fund Applications in Two Weeks

Employers interested in taking advantage of Iowa Employer Innovation Fund dollars must submit their applications by Friday, Nov. 8.

Oct 24, 2019

Iowa Unemployment Rate Remains Static

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced last week the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% for the month of September. 

Oct 16, 2019

ABI Sends Letter to City of Waterloo

On Monday, Ryan Koopmans of ABI member firm BelinMcCormick sent a letter on ABI’s behalf to Waterloo City Council members stating the association’s concerns with the newly enacted, wide-sweeping Ban the Box ordinance.

Oct 10, 2019

Waterloo City Council Passes Local Ban the Box Ordinance

The city council of Waterloo passed an ordinance on Monday that would prohibit employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal background history and conducting a background check until a conditional offer of employment has been extended. 

Oct 10, 2019

Gov. Reynolds Invites Employers to Employer and Reentry Roundtable

Gov. Reynolds on Wednesday announced a roundtable for employers at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. 

Sep 26, 2019

Iowa Unemployment Rate Remains Steady

Iowa Workforce Development announced last week that Iowa’s seasonal unemployment remained at 2.5% for the month of August. 

Sep 19, 2019

Civil Rights Commissioner Requests Review of Standard for Damages

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission will review jury verdicts from employment discrimination cases and commission administrative awards at the next meeting. 

Sep 19, 2019

Workforce Development Proposes Rules to Overpayments, Vacation and Pension

Iowa Workforce Development has filed notices of intended action on three rules that pertain to ABI members. 

Sep 19, 2019

Feedback Sought on Recruitment of Puerto Rican Workers

The ABI public policy team, and some ABI members, have been contacted by businesses and elected officials in Mt. Pleasant on a workforce issue: recruiting workers from Puerto Rico to move to Iowa.

Sep 19, 2019

American Workforce Advisory Board Makes Recommendations

President Trump’s American Workforce Advisory Board proposed important recommendations when it comes to growing jobs and providing more opportunities for Americans. 

Sep 19, 2019

Iowa Unemployment Tax Tables Remain Unchanged

Iowa Workforce Development on Wednesday announced the unemployment tax rate tables for 2020 will remain unchanged.

Sep 12, 2019

Administrative Rules Review Committee

The Administrative Rules Review Committee met Tuesday to consider several agencies' proposed rules.

Aug 29, 2019

Governor Announces Employer Innovation Fund Recipients

ABI President Mike Ralston joined Gov. Reynolds at her weekly press conference where she announced the 13 entities that will receive the first round of Employer Innovation Fund grants. 

Aug 22, 2019

ABI Attends Senate Small Business Field Hearing

Last Friday, ABI staff attended a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee chaired by Sen. Ernst. 

Aug 22, 2019

Governor Advocates for More Federal Flexibility in Workforce Development

Gov. Reynolds testified last week at a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, which was chaired by Sen. Ernst.

Aug 1, 2019

Gov. Reynolds Announces Future Ready Iowa Employer Summits

On Monday, Gov. Reynolds declared 27 public-private partnership events will take place from September 4 to November 1 to help close the skills gap and build on Iowa’s skilled workforce moving into the future.

Aug 1, 2019

Employer Innovation Fund and Last-Dollar Scholarship Applications Due Today

Today is the deadline for submitting applications for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and Employer Innovation Fund. 

Jul 25, 2019

Strong Employment Continues In Iowa

Iowa Workforce Development announced last Friday that Iowa added 5,600 jobs in the month of June and the unemployment rate remains at 2.4%.

Jul 18, 2019

Employer Innovation Fund Rule to Go Into Effect

Iowa Workforce Development has adopted and filed the Employer Innovation Fund rule. 

Jul 2, 2019

Employment & Workforce Committee Speakers Announced

Donna Burkett, bureau chief of the Labor Market Information Division at Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), and Kathy Leggett, Future Ready Iowa policy advisor at IWD, will serve as guest speakers for the Employment & Workforce Public Policy Committee meeting set to meet on Wednesday, August 7 at ABI. 

Jun 27, 2019

Employer Innovation Fund Applications Being Accepted

Gov. Reynolds announced last Friday that applications for the Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund may now be submitted. 

Jun 13, 2019

ABI Amicus Supported Case Receives Favorable Ruling

The Iowa Supreme Court last Friday reversed and remanded the Hawkins v. Grinnell Regional Medical Center district court case. 

May 23, 2019

IWD Publishes Rules for Employer Innovation Fund

Iowa Workforce Development earlier this week formally noticed administrative rules to implement the Employer Innovation Fund policy that passed in the 2018 legislative session.

May 2, 2019

Gov. Reynolds Announces Expansion of Work-Based Learning at Future Ready Iowa Summit

ABI's Mike Ralston and Kathy Anderson attended the Future Ready Iowa Summit on April 30, where Gov. Reynolds declared a need to further develop career-oriented learning opportunities for K-12 students. 

Apr 25, 2019

$13 Million for Last Dollar Scholarships; $1.2 Million for Employer Innovation Fund

The House and Senate agreed on final budget numbers and policy language for the overall budget last week.

Apr 11, 2019

PBM Transparency Legislation Amended and Passed Senate

The Iowa Senate on Wednesday amended SF 563, which was legislation geared toward the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry often seen as the “middleman” when it comes to prescription drugs and pricing that employers and consumers ultimately pay.

Mar 28, 2019

Franchise Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk

On Monday afternoon, the Senate approved HF 327, which is ABI-supported legislation that seeks to clarify the franchisor/franchisee relationship with regard to employment relationships.

Mar 28, 2019

Fiscal Note on Pharmacy Bill Released

The Fiscal Services Division of the Legislative Services Agency released a fiscal note on HF 489. 

Mar 21, 2019

Senate Signs Off On Unemployment Misconduct Legislation

The Iowa Senate on Wednesday passed SF 561, which codifies the definition of misconduct and provides specific examples of acts that could be considered misconduct in an employment situation. 

Mar 21, 2019

Iowa House Approves Amended Iowa Workforce Bill

Early Thursday afternoon, the Iowa House approved on a party-line vote HF 531, which was Iowa Workforce Development’s bill.

Mar 14, 2019

Action Alert: Protect Private Property Rights

HF 636 and SF 459 would prohibit employers from having a policy that keeps guns out of the parking lot.

Feb 28, 2019

ABI Testifies in Support of Future Ready Iowa

Monday afternoon, Nicole Crain spoke in favor of HSB 179, which is legislation that fully funds Future Ready Iowa for the 2020 fiscal year. 

Feb 28, 2019

Parking Lot Firearm and Adoption Legislation Advance

Late this afternoon, the House Public Safety Committee passed HF 259 on an 11-9 party-line vote. 

Feb 21, 2019

Legislative Committees Advance Employment Bills

This week, legislators held meetings in the House and Senate on bills that ABI members have expressed concern about, and some are included on ABI’s Job Crushers list. 

Feb 21, 2019

Future Ready Iowa Appropriation Legislation Introduced

Feb 14, 2019

Subcommittee Advances E-Notary Legislation

A Senate subcommittee held a hearing on Monday afternoon to consider SSB 1116, which is a bill that would legalize electronic notaries here in Iowa.

Feb 14, 2019

Anti-Business Bills Advance

Feb 7, 2019

ABI Advocates for One-week Waiting Period

ABI and its members know and experience Iowa’s workforce shortage more than any other organization. 

Feb 7, 2019

State Joint Employer Legislation Clears Commerce Committee

On Wednesday, the House Commerce Committee took up HSB 5, which is a bill relating to the franchisor-franchisee relationship for the purposes of certain unemployment laws. 

Jan 31, 2019

Employment Bills Receive Hearings

On Tuesday, several pieces of legislation affecting employers were discussed before House and Senate subcommittees.

Jan 24, 2019

ABI Comments Before Subcommittee on Security Breaches

Members of an Iowa House Commerce subcommittee met Wednesday to hear from the attorney general’s office regarding HSB 14.

Nov 21, 2018

Iowa Unemployment Rate Hits Historic Low

Iowa Workforce Development announced last Friday that Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 2.4 percent for the month of October, which ties the lowest percentage rate on record.

Nov 8, 2018

From IWD: IowaWORKS Centers Host National Apprenticeship Week Events

Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Economic Development Authority have partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Apprenticeship to grow Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Iowa.

Oct 25, 2018

ABI Workforce Housing Survey

Workforce housing is part of ABI’s 2019 legislative priorities, and the governor and lieutenant governor are also investigating the lack of workforce housing as part of the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.

Oct 18, 2018

Deadline to Apply for Registered Apprenticeship Funding is Friday, Oct. 26

With workforce a top priority for businesses across the state, Iowa Workforce Development announced organizations have until 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 to submit proposals to receive funding to grow Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in Iowa.

Oct 18, 2018

News Release: Iowa Students, Teachers Benefit from STEM

On Tuesday, the Iowa STEM Advisory Council, co-chaired by ABI board member Roger Hargens (Accu-Mold), released an independent evaluation that measures the council’s progress toward increasing student interest and achievement in STEM education and workforce development in Iowa. 

Sep 27, 2018

Iowa’s Unemployment Rate is Second Lowest in Nation

Iowa Workforce Development announced last week the state’s unemployment rate has hit 2.5%, which puts Iowa second to Hawaii in lowest unemployment rate in the country.

Sep 27, 2018

Iowa Healthcare Innovation and Visioning Roundtable Recommendations Presented

The Iowa Healthcare Innovation Workgroup, which ABI has participated in, gave its recommendations to Gov. Reynolds on Thursday morning at the Iowa Capitol.

Sep 13, 2018

Unemployment Tax Tables Unchanged for 2019

Iowa Workforce Development announced last week the unemployment tax rate table for eligible employers will remain the same going into 2019.

Aug 30, 2018

Members of Work-Based Learning Advisory Board Unveiled

ABI President Mike Ralston and several ABI members—along with non-profit organization employees, educators, elected officials and students—were selected by Gov. Reynolds to serve on a clearinghouse advisory board. 

Aug 30, 2018

IWD Rules Noticed

The Iowa Department of Workforce Development has proposed new rules touching on unemployment benefits.

Aug 23, 2018

Iowa's Unemployment Rate Drops to 18-year Low

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 2.6 percent in July—the second lowest in the nation, tied with North Dakota. 

Aug 2, 2018

IWD Seeks Feedback on Seasonal Employment

Iowa Workforce Development has distributed a survey to labor, construction and business organizations to gather feedback from employees about whether or not they work in a seasonal industry. 

Jul 19, 2018

Sign Up for Future Ready Iowa Regional Summits

Gov. Reynolds announced on Wednesday that registration is open for Future Ready Iowa Regional Summits. 

Jul 12, 2018

ABI Participates in IWD Stakeholder Meeting Concerning Temporary Layoffs

Iowa Workforce Development has started to gather stakeholder input on addressing the issue of seasonal employment, temporary layoffs and how unemployment for temporary layoffs, as currently defined, affects the unemployment trust fund and tax tables.

Jul 5, 2018

Job and Injury Benefits Increase

Iowa Workforce Development announced maximum weekly benefits paid to jobless Iowans and to workers injured on the job will increase July 1, 2018, due to an increase in wages covered by unemployment insurance.

Jun 21, 2018

Iowa State Supreme Court Expands Common Law Retaliatory Discharge

The Iowa Supreme Court ruling on a former Iowa Workforce Development judge’s wrongful termination suit against the Department of Iowa Workforce Development and its former Director Theresa Walhert could have a broad impact on Iowa employers. 

Jun 14, 2018

IWD Rules Final, Changes to Severance Made

Members of the ABI public policy team attended the Administrative Rules Review Committee on Tuesday.

May 24, 2018

Iowa Workforce Development Files Final Rule, Removes New Severance Definition

ABI members expressed concerns over the proposed definition.

May 24, 2018

Iowa Makes Push to Hire More Veterans

Gov. Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Gregg unveiled a new initiative to hire more veterans in Iowa during their weekly press conference.

May 10, 2018

Amicus Briefs of Note for Business

ABI recently joined the Iowa Defense Counsel Association and the Iowa Insurance Institute to ensure the voice of business is heard in a district court appeal in Poweshiek County.

Apr 26, 2018

ABI Comments on Multiple Employer Health Plan

The Iowa Insurance Division put out a request for comment on SF 2349 as passed and signed into law earlier this month.

Apr 26, 2018

Expansive Medical Cannabis Legislation Passes Senate Committee

This week, members of the Iowa Senate Ways and Means Committee passed SF 2372, which would eliminate the THC limit for cannabidiol and expands the list of medical conditions eligible for cannabidiol. 

Apr 5, 2018

Governor Reynolds Signs Future Ready Iowa Act; Summit Deemed a Success

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed ABI’s top legislative priority—workforce—into law at the conclusion of the Future Ready Iowa Summit on Tuesday. 

Apr 5, 2018

Iowa Workforce Development Proposes Employment Policy Changes

Iowa Workforce Development is proposing a change to the definition of severance in the Iowa Administrative Code. 

Mar 29, 2018

Iowa Receives Federal Funding to Grow Registered Apprenticeships

The state of Iowa has been awarded $1 million by the Department of Labor to expand registered apprenticeship programs.

Mar 29, 2018

Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Remains Low

The unemployment rate for the state of Iowa continues to remain among the lowest in the nation at 2.9 percent for the month of February.

Mar 22, 2018

ABI #1 Priority Issue Heads to Governor’s Desk

The Future Ready Iowa Act has passed both the House and Senate unanimously and will be sent to Gov. Reynolds.

Mar 22, 2018

Alcohol Testing Bill Passes Senate

An ABI-supported bill that will clear up a gray area in Iowa law regarding testing for alcohol passed the Iowa Senate 44-5 and now goes to the Governor.

Mar 15, 2018

A Bill Related to Workforce–ABI’s Top Priority–Passes House

HF 2458, the Future Ready Iowa bill introduced by the Governor and floor managed by Rep. Peter Cownie, passed unanimously out of the House chamber this week.

Mar 8, 2018

Association Health Plan Bills Debated

The Senate passed two bills this week aimed at providing additional options for more affordable health insurance in Iowa.

Mar 1, 2018

Federal Workforce Conformity Bill Moves Forward

The Senate passed SF 2353, a bill to conform Iowa with the federal requirements in the Workforce Opportunity and Innovation Act (WIOA), by a vote of 48-2 on Wednesday. 

Feb 8, 2018

ABI President Speaks in Favor of Future Ready Iowa

A five-member subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee heard from ABI President Mike Ralston on Thursday.

Feb 1, 2018

Iowa Workforce Development Presents to House Committee

Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend and her senior leadership team presented to the House Labor Committee on Monday afternoon. 

Feb 1, 2018

Employment Legislation Advances in House and Senate

The House Labor Committee on Wednesday advanced legislation that will clarify that employers who provide their employees with access to electronic pay stubs are in compliance with the Iowa code. 

Jan 25, 2018

Governor’s Future Ready Iowa Legislation Introduced

The Iowa Senate on Thursday introduced SSB 3087, the Governor’s Future Ready Iowa legislation. 

Dec 14, 2017

2018 Legislative Session Issue Preview: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund

Each year ABI works to defend the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund, an account funded by employers used to pay unemployment benefits to unemployed Iowa workers who lose their job through no fault of their own.

Dec 7, 2017

Final 2018 Priority and Policies Now on ABI Website

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry's 2018 priority and policies are now available on ABI's website.

Dec 7, 2017

Invest in the Iowans For Jobs Initiative Today

One way your company can help ABI continue our momentum is by investing in the Iowans For Jobs Initiative. 

Nov 22, 2017

Iowa Workforce Development State Board Meets

Monday, the State Workforce Development Board met in Des Moines with Gov. Reynolds and IWD Director Beth Townsend to address the board, which is newly reconstituted to comply with federal workforce law.

Nov 16, 2017

ABI Members Establish Apprenticeship Programs

During their weekly press conference, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg announced that ABI member companies Wells Fargo and Tyson Foods now have registered apprenticeship programs.

Nov 9, 2017

Computer Science Recommendations Released

A group that included legislators, community colleges, college professors, school administrators, teachers, representatives of school boards and technology companies recently released a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing computer science education in school districts across Iowa.

Nov 9, 2017

Apprenticeship Week is Next Week

Registered Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week will be Nov. 13–17. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation on Nov. 2 to highlight the importance of registered apprenticeship training.

Nov 2, 2017

Opportunity to Comment on Future Ready Iowa Recommendations

The public has the opportunity to comment on each recommendation.

Oct 26, 2017

Work Comp Rules Proposed

Oct 19, 2017

Future Ready Iowa Alliance Releases Recommendations

Members of the Future Ready Iowa Alliance, co-chaired by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Principal CEO Dan Houston, met Tuesday, Oct. 17 to discuss and vote on final recommendations. 

Oct 5, 2017

Interim Study Committee on Opioid Epidemic to Meet

Members of ABI’s Workplace and Product Safety Committee added policy the last two years during the policy development process to address the opioid epidemic taking place around the country and specifically in Iowa.

Sep 21, 2017

2018 Legislative Priority: Workforce

ABI public policy staff unveiled the 2018 Legislative Priority at the Advanced Manufacturing Conference Wednesday.

Sep 14, 2017

Administrative Rules Review Committee Meets

The Administrative Rules Review Committee met on Tuesday and discussed several rules that ABI is tracking.

Sep 14, 2017

Audit of Workforce Development Finds Deficiencies

The Office of Auditor of State recently conducted an audit of the Iowa Workforce Development Department and made recommendations the department should follow to enhance efficiencies in the department. 

Aug 17, 2017

ABI member participation needed: Iowa Workforce Development Board

Jul 27, 2017

Iowa Senators review pension system

As a legislative pension year approaches, a group of Senators met Tuesday, July 25 to hear about the status of the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS), which is the pension system for most state employees. Donna Mueller, the CEO of the system gave an overview of the history of IPERS and some of the market driven and legislative changes that have taken place to IPERS. 

Jul 20, 2017

Participation opportunity: Board of Regents announces tuition task force meetings

The Board of Regents Tuition Task Force has announced dates and times for four public stakeholder meetings.

Jun 22, 2017

Committee spotlight: Employment and Workforce

Leading up to our ABI policy committee meetings in late summer, we will highlight each of ABI’s five policy committees, so you know more about the mission and purview of each committee. These committees steer the direction of ABI’s policy agenda each legislative session.

Jun 22, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Townsend attends apprenticeship discussion at White House

Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend attended a roundtable discussion at the White House last Thursday to discussing expanding registered apprenticeship programs.

May 25, 2017

Workforce Development drafts unemployment rules

Iowa Workforce Development has drafted rules to implement legislation passed in 2017.

May 4, 2017

Workers’ compensation rates decrease due to reform legislation

The National Council on Compensation Insurance this week proposed lowering the workers’ compensation rate in Iowa.

Apr 6, 2017

Workforce Development bills head to Gov. Branstad

Bills continue to move at the Capitol as we enter what is expected to be the home stretch of the legislative session.

Mar 30, 2017

Workers’ compensation passes Iowa Senate, to be signed by governor

Mar 30, 2017

Thank your legislators for supporting workers’ compensation bill

The passage of workers’ compensation reform (HF 518) is a major legislative accomplishment for ABI members, and it couldn’t have happened without our allies in the Iowa Legislature. It is important to thank them for their support of this and other ABI priorities.

Mar 30, 2017

Statewide employment uniformity legislation passes Senate

Mar 30, 2017

Workforce Development bills advance

The Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday advanced three bills filed by Iowa Workforce Development.

Mar 23, 2017

Unemployment bills pass the House

Creating a more competitive business climate is a priority for ABI this legislative session. Two pro-jobs bills advanced out of the House this week.

Mar 23, 2017

Workforce development conformity bill advances

Feb 23, 2017

Iowa Workforce Development employment bills introduced

Legislation brought forward by Iowa Workforce Development was introduced Wednesday in the Iowa House.

Feb 9, 2017

Collective bargaining reform introduced

Feb 9, 2017

Wage preemption bill introduced

Feb 9, 2017

Workforce discussed at Capitol

This week, workforce was a topic of discussion in several meetings.

Feb 9, 2017

Computer science bill advances

Feb 2, 2017

Iowa Senate introduces E-Verify

Jan 26, 2017

Drug testing reform bill moves forward

Jan 26, 2017

Future Ready Iowa website launches

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the new Future Ready Iowa website on Monday.

Jan 5, 2017

Future Ready Iowa Alliance meets, ABI members lead

The second meeting of the Future Ready Iowa Alliance met Tuesday to hear about upskilling Iowa’s workers.

Jan 5, 2017

Iowa Workforce pre-files unemployment legislation

Iowa Workforce Development has pre-filed legislation that would increase the amount an individual would have to make in order to be eligible to receive benefits in the next benefit year.

Dec 8, 2016

Iowa Workforce Development proposes appeal changes

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has proposed rules that would change the way unemployment hearings are conducted.

Dec 8, 2016

Benefits and costs of apprenticeships highlighted in new study

A new study by Case Western Reserve University and the U.S. Department of Commerce highlights the benefits and costs of apprenticeships from a business perspective.

Nov 17, 2016

Iowa Workforce Development Board meets

The Iowa Workforce Development Board, chaired by ABI Board Member John Krogman, is currently meeting to consider many items.

Nov 3, 2016

First Future Ready Iowa Alliance meeting brings together leaders

Nov 3, 2016

Iowa Workforce Development names Myron Linn as new Deputy Director

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has hired Myron Linn as the agency’s new deputy director.

Nov 3, 2016

Iowa’s unemployment rate remains steady

Iowa Workforce Development has announced that the unemployment rate for September remains unchanged at 4.2 percent.

Oct 27, 2016

IWD awarded $1.8M federal apprenticeship grant

The Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) agency has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to fund the Innovative Opportunities with Apprenticeships (IOWA) project.

Oct 27, 2016

Future Ready Iowa Alliance sets membership and first Meeting

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Director of Iowa Workforce Development Beth Townsend announced that the Future Ready Iowa Alliance membership has been set and will meet for the first time at noon on Friday at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens.

Oct 20, 2016

Career and technical education draft rules comments due Friday

Oct 6, 2016

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber issues career readiness report

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently issued a report on Career Readiness and a Business Led approach for supporting K-12 schools.

Sep 1, 2016

Governor signs executive order creating Future Ready Iowa Alliance

Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday signed an executive order creating the Future Ready Alliance tasked with the goal of 70 percent of Iowa’s graduates having education and training beyond high school by the year 2025.

Aug 25, 2016

Irving unemployment state Supreme Court case petition denied

Aug 25, 2016

Latest STEM report shows positive results

A new report from the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council shows that efforts to generate a greater understanding of and enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among K-12 students is paying off. 

Aug 18, 2016

Workers’ compensation rate decrease proposed

The Iowa Insurance Division provided notice of proposed filing for workers’ compensation insurance rates for 2017.

Aug 4, 2016

ABI monitors Polk County minimum wage task force

A 13-member task force looking at raising the minimum wage in Polk County met Monday, and agreed to recommend a three year stair-stepped minimum wage increase to $10.75 by 2019. 

Jul 21, 2016

Iowa Workforce Development board meets

The Iowa Workforce Development Board is meeting in Ottumwa today. The board has a full agenda including an update on the Department of Labor’s approval of the state implementation plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Jul 14, 2016

ABI participates in IWD committee on minority employment

ABI participated on Monday as a key stakeholder in an Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) meeting convened by IWD Director Beth Townsend about ways to address minority unemployment, connecting minority communities to available jobs, increasing diversity in the workplace and bridging the skills gap.

Jul 14, 2016

Learn about DOL rule changes at July 28 meeting

An event highlighting the impact of recent federal overtime rule changes on employers will take place in Marshalltown, July 28.

Jun 23, 2016

Local minimum wage talks in spotlight

More counties in Iowa are considering an increase to their local minimum wage.

Jun 23, 2016

Workforce Information Advisory Council to meet

The Workforce Information Advisory Council (WIAC) will hold its inaugural meeting on July 13 and 14 at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Training and Conference Center in Washington, DC.

Jun 9, 2016

Iowa Supreme Court rules on unemployment, workers’ compensation and products liability

Last week, the Iowa Supreme Court issued three decisions affecting employers and manufacturers.

Jun 2, 2016

Iowa Workforce Development bill signed into law

May 26, 2016

Branstad signs workforce education bill

May 19, 2016

Overtime rule finalized, employer costs to increase

The Department of Labor finalized its proposed overtime rule relating to exempt and non-exempt employees on Wednesday, with a large increase to the salary but no change to the duties test.

May 12, 2016

IWD board meeting update

The Iowa Workforce Development Board met today to consider a number of matters important to Iowa businesses.

Apr 21, 2016

Discussions on medical marijuana taking place

The Iowa Legislature is considering legislation that would expand the existing cannabidiol act in Iowa to include additional medical conditions.

Apr 21, 2016

IWD bill passes Senate

The Iowa Workforce Development bill that ABI has been working on since late March passed the Iowa Senate Monday on a vote of 27-23.

Apr 21, 2016

Future Ready Iowa Summit features ABI leaders

Business, education and civic leaders from across Iowa gathered Tuesday for the Future Ready Iowa Summit, an event focused on addressing Iowa’s skills gap and workforce challenges.

Apr 14, 2016

Iowa Workforce Development bill advances

Apr 14, 2016

Career and Technical Education Bill passes Senate

House File 2392 was amended and passed by the Iowa Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 50-0. The legislation was supported by many stakeholders and was the outcome of a 20-month legislatively-directed task force.

Apr 7, 2016

Iowa Senate considers workforce bill

Mar 24, 2016

Senate introduces workforce bill

Mar 3, 2016

Iowa Senate approves another employer mandate

The Iowa Senate on Wednesday approved SF 2252 by a vote of 28-22. The bill requires employers provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Mar 3, 2016

Iowa Workforce Board decides not to recover UC overpayments

The Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Board has decided to forgive the beneficiaries of overpayments that were made in error two years ago.

Mar 3, 2016

CTE bill receives consideration

The Iowa House on Thursday passed HF 2392 to modernize Iowa’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Feb 25, 2016

Ban the Box ad wage discrimination debate delayed

Feb 25, 2016

Iowa Workforce Board to discuss overpayments at Friday meeting

Members of the Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Board will meet Friday at the Capitol to discuss many items, including an unfortunate error made in 2014 related to the payment of unemployment compensation benefits by IWD.

Feb 25, 2016

Senate passes health care mandate expansion

Feb 18, 2016

Career and Technical Education moves forward

Feb 18, 2016

Senate Labor Committee advances anti-employer billls

The Senate Labor Committee has advanced two bills that would create a burden on employers. 

Feb 11, 2016

Appropriations Committee hears from Iowa Workforce Development

The joint House and Senate Economic Development Appropriations Committee received a presentation by the Iowa Workforce Development Director on Tuesday.

Feb 11, 2016

Future Ready Iowa Summit to address skills gap

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday announced an upcoming summit to discuss ways to address Iowa’s skills gap.

Feb 4, 2016

Federal Spotlight: More federal employee reporting requirements proposed

ABI’s federal partner, the National Association of Manufacturers has provided information regarding another anti-employer proposal released by President Obama’s administration.

Feb 4, 2016

Employers on defense at the Capitol

Although it was a short week due to the Iowa caucuses and inclement weather, the Iowa Legislature wasted no time meeting about issues that will negatively affect businesses’ bottom lines. From health care mandates to additional exposure to lawsuits, proposals in both the House and Senate will increase the cost of doing business in Iowa.

Jan 21, 2016

'Ban the Box' discussion begins

Subcommittee members of the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee met Tuesday to discuss preventing employers from asking an applicant on the initial application about his/her criminal background, an initiative commonly known as “ban the box."