Employers to Remain in Tax Table 7 for Unemployment Insurance Rates in 2022 |
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Earlier this week, Governor Kim Reynolds announced through an Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) press release that Iowa businesses will continue to be in Tax Table 7 for unemployment insurance tax rates for 2022. This is significant and positive news for employers of all sizes. This is the fifth consecutive year that employers will be in Tax Table 7, which is the second lowest (best) tax rate permitted by Iowa law. Iowa’s unemployment insurance trust fund, which is funded by employer payroll taxes, has expended several hundred million dollars since the pandemic first hit in March 2020. Governor Reynolds took the extraordinary step of infusing the fund with $490 million in CARES Act funding in June 2020 to ensure that tax rates wouldn’t increase on employers in 2021. ABI is very thankful for the governor’s leadership on this important issue. ABI will continue to advocate and push for reforms to make Iowa’s unemployment system more competitive with our neighboring states. Read more from the Des Moines Register.
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IIPAC Makes Endorsement in Iowa House District 37 Special Election
Michael Bousselot named Friend of Iowa Business
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With less than two weeks until the special election in House District 37, the Iowa Industry Political Action Committee (IIPAC) named Michael Bousselot a “Friend of Iowa Business.” Bousselot has served as chief of staff for Iowa Governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds and has held senior positions in the insurance industry in Iowa. Prior to announcing his candidacy, Bousselot served as the Director of the Department of Management for the State of Iowa, overseeing a multi-billion dollar state budget.
The IIPAC endorsement recognizes Bousselot’s approach to business issues and his view to create a legal and regulatory climate in Iowa conducive to business growth. Bousselot faces Andrea Phillips who has sought this legislative seat in two previous elections. The seat is open due to the untimely passing of long-time “Friend of Iowa Business” John Landon. To see the full IIPAC endorsement press release go here. The special election for HD 37 will be held on September 14, 2021.
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Check out the Latest Environment Committee Newsletter |
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Roughly twice a year, ABI staff composes a newsletter strictly dedicated to environmental news. Issues related to proposed rules and regulations, upcoming stakeholder meetings and more are covered in detail. The policy team works on a number of these issues outside of the regular legislative session as we pride ourselves on being the state’s regulatory watchdog. You can view the latest newsletter here which covers topics like sustainable materials management, wastewater and storm water permits, a recap of the water use and allocation permit fee meeting and more. If you have any questions about the subject matter in the newsletter, please contact Brad Hartkopf.
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It Has Begun - Iowa Redistricting Process Underway |
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Non-partisan staff from the Legislative Services Agency at the Iowa Capitol have advised legislative leaders that they are on pace to use newly-acquired census data to produce a proposed redistricting map of Iowa House and Senate seats, as well as Congressional districts by September 16.
Once produced, the map must be approved by the Iowa Legislature. The political class awaits this information to understand how the new maps may impact electoral outcomes in 2022. The new map will align legislative districts to where people live now, as opposed to the data from 2010, which was when the map of districts was last updated. Raw census data suggests the most change at the statehouse level will occur in suburban areas of Polk and Linn Counties. In 2018, residents of those areas voted with Democrats and in 2020, they voted for Republicans.
How Iowa’s 99 counties will be apportioned into Iowa’s four congressional seats remains unknown, but redistricting in Iowa could contribute to a balance of power in the U.S. House as both political parties identify their best targets for success.
It is still expected that the Iowa Legislature will return sometime in October to take action on the new map that will define legislative districts through the 2030 elections.
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Future Ready Iowa Summit - September 16 |
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You are invited to attend the 2021 Future Ready Iowa Summit which will take place on Thursday, September 16 at the Iowa Events Center. Governor Kim Reynolds will open the summit followed by a three-part agenda consisting of: 1.) Employers and youth asking big, tough questions of us all, 2.) Educators and business partners sharing exemplary solutions focused on work-based learning and computing education and 3.) State leaders framing current and future actions for transformation.
CLICK HERE to register and for more event information.
(Please register by September 8th)
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Policy Staff Continues Meetings with Legislators on Vaccines Mandates |
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After the Board of Directors approves the priorities and policies for 2022, ABI’s public policy team will travel this fall to meet with legislators to discuss and advocate for those issues. In the meantime, ABI staff are meeting with legislators to discuss preserving employers’ rights to maintain the workplace policy they choose to have when it comes to vaccine mandates. A cornerstone of Iowa’s labor law is that Iowa is an “at-will” employment state. Removing the right of an employer to implement whichever policy they choose regarding vaccines is inconsistent with that principle. ABI staff is working diligently to ensure that those rights are maintained and not interfered with. Stay tuned for more information in forthcoming newsletters. |
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State Department Seeking Private Sector Response in Resettling Afghan Refugees |
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The U.S. State Department Office of Global Partnerships is reaching out and requesting support from the private sector when it comes to helping relocate and resettle refugees who are arriving from Afghanistan. There are a number of ways private industry can help, including: providing temporary housing, legal assistance and services for individuals related to securing their new immigration status, medical services and care, interpretation services and large-scale donations of basic necessities, such as food and clothing. Businesses can contact the office at AfghanPartnerships@state.gov if they would like to help. Governor Kim Reynolds has indicated she is willing to help resettle refugees who helped the United States in the war effort to Iowa. As the state has a significant labor shortage, this is positive news for employers as they look to fill a plethora of jobs that are currently available.
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BuyABI Partner Spotlight: Upper Iowa University |
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WATCH: Upper Iowa University Center Director Theresa Rademacker and ABI Executive Vice President Nicole Crain discuss all of the ways ABI member employees, their spouses and their children can save money on a degree at Upper Iowa University through the BuyABI Program!
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Golfers who attended the ABI Executive Open donated $1,790 through games at the three holes that spotlighted the ABI Foundation’s statewide leadership programs (Business Horizons, Leadership Iowa University and Leadership Iowa)! Support of the programs ensures these opportunities for high school students, college students and professionals reach Iowans in every corner of the state with business and community partners.
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From the Desk of Mike Ralston |
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ABI is all about its members. Providing value for members is at the core of everything we do, because if we aren't providing value for you and your company, there is no reason for you to be involved in the association.
The secret to ABI's success is strong leadership by the ABI Board of Directors and fantastic support by ABI members. We never, ever take that leadership and support for granted.
This month, however, I am calling attention to something else. That is the work of a terrific ABI staff.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the team behind the scenes at ABI.
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Click on the headlines to learn about the latest ABI member news
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Shive-Hattery to Celebrate 50th Anniversary |
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Nuzum Named Next President of
Iowa Area Development Group
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On Wednesday, the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) announced the selection of Bruce Nuzum as their next president. As Senior VP of Finance and Operations, Nuzum has been instrumental in project finance, helping IADG members lead the nation in securing over $158 million in project financing from the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program. Nuzum is also a proud alumnus of Leadership Iowa. Congratulations ABI Board Member Rand Fisher on your upcoming retirement!
CLICK HERE to read more about IADG’s new president.
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Jackson Manufacturing Featured In Elevate Iowa's "Not A Dirty Job" Episode |
In the fourth episode of the “Not A Dirty Job” series, Elevate Iowa visited Jackson Manufacturing in Maquoketa, Iowa. Watch ABI Board Chair and Jackson Manufacturing President Jack Hasken discuss the thermoplastic injection mold facility. |
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TOP SUPPORTERS - GOVERNOR |
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