Creating a Drug-Free Workplace: Beyond a Drug Testing Program
ABI Office | Des Moines
May Board Meeting (Invite Only)
Emerson/Fisher | Marshalltown
Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference
Overland Park, KS
May 11-13, 2016
Regional Public Policy Meeting: Waterloo
Tech Works | Waterloo
Regional Public Policy Meeting: Des Moines
ABI Office | Des Moines
Regional Public Policy Meeting: Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance |Cedar Rapids
2016 Taking Care of Business Conference
Sioux City
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To foster a favorable business, economic, governmental and social climate within the State of Iowa so that our citizens have the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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Legislative session continues
The Iowa Legislature's 100th day was Tuesday, the goal date by which legislators try to complete session and they no longer receive per diem. The budget and policy work has not been completed and at the time of publication your state representatives and senators continue to work towards adjournment. The process to end session takes time because of budget agreements and amendments that must be approved by both chambers.
Appropriation bills are the current focus
Although ABI does not advocate for specific appropriations, the public policy team watches for amendments that affect employment policies in Iowa. The Economic Development budget had an amendment that would have negatively affected Iowa employers, but it was successfully removed. The Senate version to the Health and Human Services budget contains an amendment regarding the coverage of autism behavioral assessments coverage that could increase costs for employer health care plans. Keep reading to see the status of all the appropriations bills to date.
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. The current bill,
HF 2384
defines debilitating medical condition to include: intractable epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and cancer. The existing law was a pilot project set to sunset in 2017 and only included individuals who had intractable epilepsy. The new legislation brings in individuals who could also be your employees. ABI is working to make certain employers have protections in the new proposal. This bill could move at any time and is very fluid.
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. Senate File 2313. (formerly SSB 3176) was considered by the full House Appropriations committee on Thursday and received unanimous support.. For more details on the bill click here.
Economic Development initiatives advance
The Iowa House Appropriations Committee considered
Senate File 2308, which establishes an Enhance Iowa board and encourages investments in quality of life initiatives. An amendment was proposed that eliminates the funding mechanism for 2016 but establishes the structure for the board to issue awards in the future.
Keep reading...
Register for ABI's Regional Public Policy Meetings
ABI is hosting public policy meetings in May throughout the state, where the policy team will report on the outcome of the Legislative session and what ABI's successes at the Capitol in 2016 mean for Iowa businesses. There will also be a preview of the upcoming election and the importance of electing pro-jobs, pro-growth lawmakers to the Statehouse. Click here to register for a meeting in your area. These events are free for members and $20 for non-member guests. Read online
Donate $100 to IIPAC in recognition of this session's successes
Many of you received a letter this week from IIPAC Chairman Kirk Tyler highlighting ABI's victories this legislative session and encouraging your donations to IIPAC. These contributions are critical to our ability to elect lawmakers who understand the importance of a favorable business climate. Click here to make your contribution now. Read online
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. ABI was a leading sponsor. Developing a pipeline of skilled workers to meet current and future workforce needs is a key priority for ABI and ABI members. Keep reading...
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Help us select the 2016-17 LI Class.
Nominations due May 1
The deadline is approaching quickly to nominate participants for Leadership Iowa 2016-17. To learn more about this premier issues awareness program, watch this video. Then, click here to nominate a current or emerging leader you know!
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There's still time. Take the ABI CEO Survey today!
Please take a few minutes to fill out the 2016 CEO Survey, which helps us understand the state of ABI member businesses and the issues most important to you. This information will be used in the development of the Business Record Iowa content and programming for ABI. This is also an opportunity to provide your feedback on ABI and provide suggestions. This survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey yourself or share with the key decision-maker in your company!
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From the Desk of...Emily Schettler, ABI Communications Coordinator
2016 Conference Educational Escapes Offer Something for Everyone
Last week, members of the ABI Conference Programming Committee got to sit down with the presenters for our upcoming Taking Care of Business Conference for a preview of their Educational Escapes.
We challenged presenters to think outside the box and they all rose to the occasion. This year's 13 Educational Escapes will offer a wide variety of thought-provoking, hands-on learning experiences. They are all designed to provide value for participants at all stages of their careers, from emerging leaders to business owners and executives.
These Educational Escapes are filling up quickly and some have a limited number of spots. Register by April 28 to save $100 and ensure you're able to participate in the sessions of your choice.
Click here to register now!
Here are some highlights of everything I learned during our meetings. Good luck picking just two!
Interested in submitting your own From the Desk of column? Contact Emily Schettler at [email protected].
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Did you miss the Monday Memo from ABI President Mike Ralston? For the most recent memo click
here.
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