Gov. Reynolds Supports Workforce, Rural Iowa and Criminal Justice Reform

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, ABI President Mike Ralston and the public policy team had the opportunity to listen to the governor’s speech from the House gallery. ABI members John Deere and Vermeer were mentioned during the governor’s speech for apprenticeship programs and keeping employees and visitors safe during the tornado, respectively. During her remarks, several themes emerged that focused on increasing Iowa’s talent pipeline and getting all available workers trained and into the workforce. Gov. Reynolds’ speech focused on several of the same themes ABI has been working on for many years including funding Future Ready Iowa. She also wants to expand the rural set aside in the workforce housing tax credit and provide more resources for broadband expansion over the next two years. The governor also talked about criminal justice reform and innovative ways to give offenders a second chance.