ABI, along with our partner associations, continue our strong advocacy for the USMCA. Whether you are an Iowa business, a multi-state business with operations in Iowa or a state association, we hope you take the opportunity to add your company’s name to a Congressional letter in support of the new USMCA. Read the
letter
.
The letter is an opportunity to show broad support for the new trade accord and to encourage our delegation to vote in favor of ratifying the deal should the USMCA come up for consideration by Congress. The deadline for signing the letter is September 5 at 5 p.m.
Please email
Daniel Heady
with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation if you want to sign on. If you have questions about the letter or ABI’s support of USMCA, please contact
Nicole Crain
.
Congressional Meetings Continue in Iowa
With both the U.S. House and Senate in recess until after the Labor Day holiday, members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation continue to hold meetings across the state to hear from constituents about issues that matter to them. Now is an excellent time to express concerns, ask questions or hear the latest updates from our federal representation in Washington. See the latest list of events scheduled throughout the state below.
ABI Attends Senate Small Business Field Hearing
Last Friday, ABI staff attended a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee chaired by Sen. Ernst. The hearing included remarks by Sen. Ernst and a panel of leaders who understand workforce and had best practices to share with the senator.
Iowa’s Gov. Reynolds was the first individual to testify, and you can read more
about her remarks
in the article below. Rob Denson, president of ABI member DMACC, spoke about the programs at DMACC that get students trained quickly and into the workforce. He also highlighted how DMACC has the lowest tuition in the state and opportunities for training programs in correctional facilities.
ABI continues to focus on workforce as a priority of the organization through the Elevate Advanced Manufacturing initiative and in public policy initiatives. Read
testimonies
from the hearing.
Governor Advocates for More Federal Flexibility in Workforce Development
Gov. Reynolds testified last week at a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, which was chaired by Sen. Ernst. The governor elaborated on Iowa’s workforce development efforts including Future Ready Iowa and requested more state flexibility when it comes to federal government programs aimed at self-sufficiency. She also commented in support of Sen. Ernst’s EMPOWERS Act and her Wind Workforce Modernization and Training Act. In 2019, the Iowa Legislature allocated $16 million toward the Future Ready Iowa Initiative, which ABI supported. Read the
full news release
.
Hartkopf Testifies at Environmental Protection Commission
ABI’s Director, Public Policy Brad Hartkopf recently attended and commented at the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meeting on Tuesday. Hartkopf spoke in support of Agenda Item #8 –
Water Supply – Water Use & Allocation Annual Permit Fee
. The DNR provided the commission with background on the fee and proposed to set it at $95 for FY20, which is $39 lower than what it was for FY18 and FY19.
The DNR is looking to create more stability in budgeting and less annual fluctuation in the fee. Its staff is also spending down some of the carryforward that currently exists within the program. The DNR hopes to set the annual fee at $95 for the next three years and to continue to chip away at the carryforward. Hartkopf’s comments echoed support for the DNR’s position on those fronts. The commission unanimously voted to approve the agenda item.
