Last Thursday, Gov. Terry Branstad signed  HF 518 into law, which reforms Iowa's workers' compensation law. The effective date is July 1, 2017. The Division of Workers' Compensation may need to establish rules to implement the legislation, and we will need your feedback and expertise through this process.

In addition to formal rulemaking which goes through the legislative process, the Division of Workers' Compensation will also be evaluating whether any forms or petitions may need to be changed, eliminated or created. The division is seeking informal comment from the public. If you have feedback on processes that need to be improved, please send your comments to Michelle Vollstedt,  [email protected]. These comments will be aggregated into comprehensive comments provided to the division from ABI. You may also provide specific suggestions to Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner Heather Palmer,  [email protected].

The chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations committees have released joint budget targets for the 2018 state budget, which begins July 1, 2017. The budget includes more than $7 billion in spending.

In the next few days, legislators will continue to discuss details about what provisions are in each budget bill.  Although ABI does not follow budget bills from an appropriation standpoint, policy provisions can get added into these bills. We will be watching closely to ensure no amendments or policies are introduced that could negatively affect Iowa employers or the state agencies that employers work with on a regular basis.  Click here to learn more about the budget targets in a press release issued by the Iowa House Republicans.

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. Several of the bills that passed the senate are pro-jobs bills and encourage attachment to the workforce. The bills have already passed the House and now head to the Governor's desk for his review. Click here for information on each of the bills that passed.

Other key legislation moving forward

In addition to the workforce legislation that advanced this week, several other pro-jobs and workplace safety bills passed this week. The Iowa House approved legislation increasing competition on public construction projects. The House and Senate both approved legislation that supports workplace safety by allowing employers to use hair to test prospective employees for drug and alcohol use. For more information about these bills and others affecting Iowa employers and the fees they pay click here.

Registration is open for 2017 regional public policy meetings

The ABI public policy team has scheduled four regional public policy meetings across Iowa next month to speak with members about the 2017 legislative session and get feedback on priorities for 2018. So far, meetings have been scheduled in Muscatine, Fairfield, Des Moines and Atlantic. The meetings are free. Click here to register.

ABI publishes IIPAC Annual Report for 2015-16

Earlier this week, IIPAC donors got a first look at ABI's IIPAC Annual Report for 2015-16. The report is available to everyone here. This new digital report is part of ABI's ongoing efforts to increase PAC participation. If you would like to learn more about IIPAC, contact Nicole Crain, [email protected] .

We need your help in our efforts to grow and sustain support for pro-jobs, pro-business policies in the Iowa Legislature. Historically, opponents to these policies contribute to their PACs in significantly higher numbers. ABI and IIPAC were very successful during the 2016 Election and that success has led to significant accomplishments on behalf of employers during this legislative session. We hope you can add your name to next year's IIPAC Annual Report. We strengthen the voice of Iowa business with each new name. Click here to make your personal contribution now.

Federal Spotlight: President signs bill disallowing OSHA regulations

President Trump on Tuesday signed a bill disallowing OSHA regulations that were contrary to statute and expanded the period during which employers would be at risk of penalties for OSHA reporting errors. This is another positive step for Iowa manufacturers and all employers affected by OSHA rules and regulations. Click here for a more information on the issue from UWC-Strategic Services on Unemployment & Workers' Compensation. Keep reading...