With the 2018 legislative session right around the corner, the MBI public affairs team has put together a quick Q & A to hopefully address some questions you might have:
Q: When does the 2018 legislative session begin?
A: Monday, January 8, 2018. The full session timetable can be found
here.
Q: When does the 2018 legislative session end?
A: It's impossible to predict the end of any legislative session. However, a legislators per diem expenses end on the 100th calendar day of the session which would fall on Tuesday, April 17. This is typically an incentive to get the work completed, and adjourn.
Q: Is 2018 an election year?
A: Yes. All members of the Iowa House of Representatives, who serve 2-year terms, are up for election every even numbered calendar year. However, only half of the members of the Iowa Senate, who serve 4-year terms, are up for election.
Q: What is MBI's process for setting an agenda?
A: This Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Government Affairs Committee will convene at the MBI office and begin the process of setting the agenda for the 2018 legislative session. After input is gathered, the MBI Board of Directors will approve the legislative agenda at the quarterly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Q: What will be on MBI's agenda?
A: Issues expected to be on the agenda will include protecting infrastructure funds from being scooped for other purposes, securing long-term funding for school infrastructure, workforce initiatives, alternative project delivery proposals and others. We have been spending considerable time this summer and fall meeting with groups and legislators to find out what is that "art of the possible."
This session will undoubtedly present its own set of challenges, expectations and opportunities. MBI's public affairs team is ready to do our part to promote an even friendlier business environment that is favorable to the construction industry.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Ben Hammes at (515) 657-4401 or
[email protected].
