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. Members of the subcommittee asked questions about existing programs, how Future Ready Iowa is complementary to the programs and how the initiative differs.
Read more
.
Workers’ Compensation Legislation Advances
On Wednesday afternoon, the House Commerce Committee voted 15-8 to advance
HSB 181
, which is a bill that seeks to correct a recent Iowa Supreme Court case regarding idiopathic falls concerning workers’ compensation. The legislation, which was amended and passed with bipartisan support, makes clear that idiopathic or unexplained falls from a level surface onto the same level surface are not compensable under the workers’ compensation statute.
Read more
.
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. The legislation, among several other things, prevents employers from establishing a policy that prohibits employees from storing a firearm and ammunition in a locked vehicle. The bill was amended to accept some of ABI’s proposed changes, but there were other issues proposed that were not accepted. The bill will receive a new number and be eligible for debate as soon as next week.
The Senate Judiciary Committee took up similar legislation,
SF 213
, that would essentially do the same thing as
HF 259
as it relates to private employer parking lots. There was an amendment to include the liability language in the House bill. The bill passed the Senate Committee with only one no vote, Senator Minority Leader Janet Petersen (D-Des Moines).
On Thursday, members of a Senator Labor Committee also passed
SSB 1204
, which states employers of any size that offer a maternity leave policy must offer the same policy to a parent who chooses to adopt within the first year of adoption.
With only one week left until the first legislative funnel, there are several issues that affect employers that have advanced, and it is expected a few more will move through. If you have questions or feedback about pending legislation, contact
Nicole Crain
or
Brad Hartkopf
.
Senate Republicans Release Budget Targets
The Iowa Senate GOP unveiled their Fiscal Year 2020 budget targets on Wednesday afternoon. Their proposed FY20 budget, $7,619,331,961, is the same as the estimated net budget for FY19. Their targets are $48 million less than the House and $39 million less than the governor. Key areas of the budget include appropriations of $41.628 million to economic development, $946.955 million to education and $39.961 million to agriculture and natural resources.
Read more
.
Gov. Reynolds Announces Cabinet Changes and Appointments
In case you missed it, last Friday Gov. Reynolds announced changes in key positions. Former Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen has assumed the role of director of revenue, which was being filled by former Deputy Director Adam Humes. Rod Roberts, director of inspections and appeals, will now serve as labor commissioner and Director Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development, will continue in her role.
Read more
.
Private Day on Hill Luncheon
The first legislative funnel is on Friday, March 8. The following week, ABI is partnering with NFIB, NAWBO and the Iowa Chamber Alliance to bring a united voice to the State Capitol, educating legislators about issues affecting Iowa business leaders. After the conclusion of the morning portion, ABI is hosting an invitation-only lunch for
IIPAC
investors. If you have not yet contributed to IIPAC and would like to learn more about our guest speaker for the lunch on March 13, contact
Michelle Vollstedt
.
Federal Spotlight: ABI Joins USMCA Coalition and Immigration Compact
Early this week, two coalitions announced their initiatives, and ABI is part of both groups that are key to Iowa’s economy. On Tuesday, more than 200 trade associations and businesses
launched the USMCA Coalition
, which will advocate for congressional approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Read more
.
House and Senate Agriculture Committees Pass Trade Resolution
HSB 199
, a Concurrent Resolution, was debated in the House Agriculture Committee on Feb. 26. The goal of the resolution is to encourage Congressional action on the pending multilateral trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. There was a split between GOP representatives, many of whom are farmers by profession and were in favor of this resolution, and some Democrat representatives.
Read more
.
State Board and Licensing Reform Bills Advance
A House Labor Subcommittee met on Feb. 27 to discuss
HSB 180
. The bill establishes a review process for all professional licenses, registrations and certificates. The legislation also allows individuals with criminal backgrounds to petition to a licensing board to receive a determination whether their conviction disqualifies them from going through training and being licensed by a specific board.
Read more
.
|
|
"Building Business Value" Program is April 4 in Cedar Falls/Waterloo
No matter how young and vibrant you feel, you will eventually want to retire and enjoy the benefits of your hard work. When that day arrives, you should have a solid exit plan in place to successfully leave the business on your terms, set the minds of your employees and clients at ease and help your chosen successor take the reins with confidence. Join us to learn how to strengthen and harvest company value while leaving a lasting legacy
on April 4, 1-3 p.m., in Cedar Falls/Waterloo
.
Register now
.
|
|
|
|
Outsourcing – Will It Help Grow Your Small Business?
|
Mary Ward
Sales and Marketing
Focus OneSource
As an entrepreneur, you have incredible talents such as being creative, competitive and a self-starter. However, do you sometimes feel like you need to handle everything that comes your way? Trying to do it all can stall the growth of your business. By outsourcing the day-to-day back-office tasks, you have more time to focus on generating income. Progressive entrepreneurs realize the unstoppable power of outsourcing to handle aspects of the business that are essential but simply don’t make sense for you to deal with personally.
Read more
.
|
|
Dickinson Law to Host "The ABCs of I-9s" Webinar on March 14
Iowa’s Internet of Things Experts to Speak at March TechTalk
The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way we live and work. From ag to advanced manufacturing, from infrastructure to healthcare, businesses are using the
IoT
to revolutionize industry and the customer experience. On March 29, three Iowa experts will discuss what businesses are doing with IoT, the applications and the possibilities, market implications and security implications. This free seminar will be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the North Iowa Regional Commerce Center in Mason City.
Learn more
.
Iowa Quality Center to Hold Performance Excellence Conference in May
Organizations of all types and sizes are looking for ways to grow, improve and achieve their goals and missions. Join the Iowa Quality Center, May 7-8 in Altoona, for the Iowa Performance Excellence (iPEX) Conference–the only conference in Iowa dedicated to performance excellence. Attendees are key decision-makers and influencers in all industries, such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education and manufacturing.
Learn more
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
