Following the November elections, the majority and minority parties in both the House and Senate hold elections within their caucuses to determine leadership posts in each respective party. Each party caucus met last week to determine leadership positions. Keep reading.

Iowa House District 55 Not Final

More than a week has passed and the outcome in Iowa House District 55 has not been finalized. Although current State Rep. Michael Bergan (R-Dorchester) holds a slight lead, Kayla Koether has not yet conceded the race. Keep reading.

Governor Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Late Wednesday, Gov. Reynolds announced several appointments to boards and commissions. Some of the appointments include the Environmental Protection Commission, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, STEM Advisory Council, Prison Industries Advisory Board and others. Keep reading.

Hyland Attends ATRA Conference

ABI Director of Public Policy Jessica Hyland traveled to San Diego this week to attend an annual conference put on by the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA). The ATRA is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to reforming the civil justice system.  It's a nationwide network of state-based liability reform coalitions backed by 135,000 grassroots supporters. Keep reading.

Reminder: Feedback Requested on DOR Rules

The Department of Revenue will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 27 on draft rules that were necessary as a result of SF 2417. The rules change the definition of a manufacturer for some entities and attempt to clarify the law by providing examples. Read the rules. Please provide any feedback to Nicole Crain by Friday, Nov. 23.

Federal Spotlight: DOL Issues Unemployment Drug Testing Regulations for Comment

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking comments on its recently published regulations regarding drug testing for unemployment compensation (UC) applicants. The rulemaking includes a proposed list of occupations the DOL has determined regularly conduct drug testing. Keep reading.

Federal Spotlight: EPA Seeking Comments on Exclusions from Ambient Air

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comments on its draft revised policy document on "Exclusions from 'Ambient Air'." The EPA is modifying its 1980s policy on the exclusion of certain areas from the scope of "ambient air" under the Clean Air Act and EPA's regulations, while still maintaining public health protection. Keep reading.

60 Days Out--ABI Briefing and Reception

With only 60 days until the Legislative Briefing and Reception, don't forget to take advantage of the early-bird registration fee for members! Thanks to our generous sponsors Alliant Energy,  Arconic , Cargill, CIPCO, Community State Bank and International Paper for supporting and helping make ABI's second largest event a success. Keep reading.

Rowena Crosbie, an author and top-rated speaker and trainer, has been announced as a speaker at the 2019 Taking Care of Business Conference.  She is president of premier research and corporate training company  Tero International , co-author of  Your Invisible Toolbox: The Technological Ups and Interpersonal Downs of the Millennial Generation  and co-host of the show Your Invisible Toolbox.  The 2019 Taking Care of Business Conference will be June 4-6 in Ames. Conference registration will open February 21.

Join us Dec. 6, 1:15-3:15 p.m., in Oskaloosa for a Building Business Value program.  This program is centered around three main topics: 1) building business value, 2) legacy planning and 3) execution.  Learn more and register .