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Iowa's Unemployment Rate is Second Lowest in Nation
Iowa Workforce Development announced last week the state's unemployment rate has hit 2.5%, which puts Iowa second to Hawaii in lowest unemployment rate in the country. The unemployment rate continues to drop as businesses hire workers at a rapid pace. You can read IWD's full press release
here
. ABI members continue to engage in workforce initiatives to address the shortage--from speaking at Future Ready Iowa summits to establishing workforce as ABI's number one legislative priority in 2019.
ABI Meets with Auditor Mosiman
The IIPAC Board announced incumbent State Auditor Mary Mosiman as a Friend of Iowa Business earlier in September. Last week, ABI President Mike Ralston and public policy staff had the opportunity to meet with the auditor and thank her for her leadership on behalf of Iowa taxpayers.
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If you would like to learn more about the auditor candidates, the IAVotes.com website has candidate comparisons for you to review and share with others. The races that are featured include statewide and congressional races. To see all candidate comparisons,
click here
. To see the Mary Mosiman v. Rob Sand comparison,
click here
. These comparisons do not tell you who to vote for, but are a one-click resource so you can see who the candidates are and also get the information you need to vote on November 6.
Sign Up for ABI's Election Update Newsletter
There is less than six weeks to go until the general election on November 6. Each week, ABI sends out an Election Update to IIPAC investors and subscribers. If you want to read analysis of key state races and the latest news regarding the election, you'll want to
subscribe
to ABI's election update newsletter. If you want an astute analysis of current affairs in the state election arena, be sure to
sign up
for this newsletter today.
DOR Issues Updated Guidance and Rules on Research Activities Credit and 179 Expensing
The Iowa Department of Revenue has released instructions on how to fully comply with changes made to the Research Activities Credit. The
updated guidance
is being issued because of the significant tax reform legislation, SF2417, signed into law by Gov. Reynolds on May 30. Several modifications were made to RAC, including which businesses and individuals now qualify for the credit, which types of businesses may have to amend their 2017 tax returns and a clarification on how the credit is calculated.
Keep reading.
Iowa Healthcare Innovation and Visioning Roundtable Recommendations Presented
The Iowa Healthcare Innovation Workgroup, which ABI has participated in, gave its recommendations to Gov. Reynolds on Thursday morning at the Iowa Capitol. The roundtable established a vision: "Working inside and outside the healthcare system, we will create healthier communities and transform the delivery and financing of care to enable all Iowans to live longer and healthier lives." Recommendations from the roundtable, made up of leaders in healthcare and business, center around building communities around those with complex healthcare needs and high healthcare costs, and enhanced data sharing, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and controlling costs. For a copy of the full recommendations, email Jessica Hyland
.
ABI's Hartkopf Selected for ISAE Leadership Class
Public Policy Coordinator Brad Hartkopf has been selected as a participant in the 2018-19 Iowa Society of Association Executives (ISAE) leadership program. The program will cover several aspects of association management including public policy, events, membership, non-dues revenue and professional development. Congratulations, Brad!
Federal Spotlight: UWC Information
Late last week, UWC, an organization with expertise in unemployment and workers' compensation issues, sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee expressing concern with Section 702 of HR 6545. The provision would impose a federal mandate on states to allow individuals to file unemployment against an employer when the reason for unemployment had nothing to do with actions of the employer. The provision would also be chargeable to employers' accounts. For more information,
click here
.
ABI Friend of Business Candidates Need Your Support
With less than 40 days until the November election, IIPAC-endorsed candidates need your support. Here are three easy ways to help those who support pro-jobs policies:
- Contribute to IIPAC. In the last election, Friend of Business candidates won in 91 of 95 races. In-depth race analysis and thoughtful investments helped get some candidates in tough races over the top.
- Contribute directly to the candidate. Many candidates are sending out one last letter asking for your support. They are recording television and radio ads. Campaigns are expensive, and every dollar of your personal support helps.
- VOTE. The MOST important thing you can do is to vote and support pro-jobs candidates on November 6. Early voting begins on October 8, and you can already request an absentee ballot. For more resources, check out the IAVotes Election Center.
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Leadership Iowa Participants and Locations Announced
Forty leaders from across Iowa have been selected as members of the 2018-19 class of Leadership Iowa, the premier issues-awareness program of the ABI Foundation.
The eight-month program is designed to foster a passion for civic and statewide engagement in current and emerging leaders.
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Should We Blame the Messenger?
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