On January 24, AIWP hosted its 2018 legislative reception at the State Capitol in Des Moines. AIWP board members and regional advocates from across the state met with legislators and Iowa Workforce Development leadership to educate and advocate for workforce initiatives. Over 40 legislators attended the breakfast either in person or by their staff. Thank you to all who attended!
Representative Koester and AIWP member Angie Arthur
Representative Lykam and AIWP member Paula Arends
AIWP members Ron Ludwig, Ron Axtell,
Shawn Fick, and Angie Arthur
Representative Bergan and AIWP member Fern Rissman
Representative Kressig and a workforce advocate
State Policy Update
First Funnel
The first funnel is coming up - on February 16th, and is one of a few deadlines set in place to keep the legislative process moving. By the end of the day on the 16th bills must be passed out of committee from their respective chamber (Ex. Senate files must be passed out of their Senate committee and House files must be passed out of their House committee) in order to continue in the legislative process.
If bills are not passed out, they are considered "dead" and cannot be debated or voted on. Exceptions to this rule are Appropriations bills, Ways and Means bills, government oversight bills, and bills from leadership.
Legislation
House File 2071Eliminates the state accreditation process for community colleges. Instead community colleges will be accredited by the higher learning commission. Passed out of subcommittee and returns to the House Education Committee for a vote.
House File 2076 Prevents employers and employment agencies from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history until after an initial interview. In a House Labor subcommittee with Representatives Wheeler, Hunter, and Watts.
House File 2153Establishes an Iowa national service corps program. In House Veterans Affairs subcommittee with Jacobsen, Bossman, and Kacena.
House File 2189Adds registered apprenticeship programs to the list of eligible training programs for individuals claiming unemployment insurance benefits. In the House Labor Committee.
Senate File 2110Adds clarity to the definition of misconduct as it relates to an individual's eligibility for unemployment benefits. Passed out of subcommittee and returns to the Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee for a vote.
Senate File 2133Establishes a family leave and medical leave insurance program. In Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee.
Important Dates
February 16 First Funnel
Final date for House bills to be passed out of House committees, and Senate bills out of Senate committees.
March 16 Second Funnel
Final date for Senate bills to be passed out of House committees and House bills to be passed out of Senate committees.
April 17 Target Adjournment Date
100th calendar day of the session and the date per-diem expenses will end.
This update is a bi-weekly publication intended to share information and resources regarding legislative activities, events, and bills related to workforce issues in Iowa. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Gracie Brandsgard at [email protected] or 515-237-0340.
