Adjournment Nearing - Iowa Senate Committee Advances Appropriations Bills |
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Some members of the Iowa Legislature were back in Des Moines this week. Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee moved the budget bills the House passed earlier in the session. The full Senate still has to debate the bills and send them back to the House, but this is a sign that agreements, and adjournment, could be in sight. A shell of the final budget bill-the standings bill-has also been introduced. There are still other policy bills, most notably the PBM legislation that would increase the cost for employer and employees’ health plans, that could be considered. ABI will be at the capitol to ensure members’ positions are represented.
Given the fact the Legislature is still in session, regional meetings have once again been postponed. Please watch for upcoming information on new dates.
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Governor Reynolds to Address ABI Conference Attendees |
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Governor Reynolds will once again address attendees at the ABI conference in Dubuque. The Governor is scheduled to speak on Thursday, June 16 at 8:35am. The legislative session is expected to be completed by then and the Governor will have the opportunity to give an overview of the session and talk about the condition of the state. If you haven’t yet registered, you can do so today here. Gold and Platinum IIPAC Investors will also have the opportunity to have an exclusive meeting with the Governor. If you’re interested in learning more about the event, contact Brad Hartkopf.
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ABI’s PAC Endorses Candidates in Legislative Primaries |
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Typically the Iowa Industry Political Action Committee (or IIPAC) is active in general election races. This year, given the number of pro-business legislators that have primaries, the PAC wanted to recognize the leadership and efforts of those legislators and let ABI members and Iowans in the districts know the choice of Iowa’s business community.
This week, the PAC endorsed six incumbents in their re-election efforts. Read about the endorsements and candidates here.
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Early Voting for June 7 Primary Has Begun |
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Absentee and early in-person voting for the Tuesday, June 7 primary began Wednesday, May 18. There are several competitive legislative primaries in Iowa as well as competitive primaries in some of the congressional races. If you want to request an absentee ballot, all requests must be in the county auditor’s office by Monday. The absentee ballot request deadline was shortened via the legislature. You may also vote early in-person at your county auditor’s office or on June 7.
Remember: In Iowa you have to be registered with a party in order to vote in the primaries.
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$25 Million Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program Launched |
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The Business Incentive Grant Program, announced Wednesday by Governor Reynolds will provide employers of all sizes to help address one of the barriers to workforce. According to the release, “$20 million will be utilized to support local infrastructure investments to build or expand child care capacity, and $5 million will be used to support arrangements between employers and child care facilities to expand and reserve child care slots. Potential projects could include the creation and development of an on-site child care center or a partnership with an existing child care center to create new child care slots paid for by a local employer.”
Information on the Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program is now available here. The state will begin accepting applications on IowaGrants.gov starting on Friday, June 17. Applications must be submitted by Monday, July 18.
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Environmental News: No Fee Increases, New AQ Bureau Chief, Opportunities to Comment and Emissions are Plummeting in Iowa
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There are a number of environmental regulatory updates to report. On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau confirmed that there would be no increase in fees for Fiscal Year 2023, which begins on July 1. Fees are assessed for asbestos demolition notifications, asbestos renovation notifications, applications for new source review construction permits, applications for initial and renewal Title V operating permits and Title V permits. Find more information here. ABI and its members have worked for many years to increase accountability when it comes to the fees levied on industry.
Sarah Piziali has been named the new bureau chief for Air Quality. She starts on May 27th. She replaces Catharine Fitzsimmons, who served in that post for many years and recently retired. Sarah has worked for the DNR for almost 20 years. Before being promoted to Bureau Chief, Piziali served as the supervisor of the Air Quality Construction Permit Section. ABI looks forward to working with her in her new role.
Keep reading to learn more about the 2022 Air Monitoring Network Plan and 2022 Sulfur Dioxide Data Requirements rule and how to comment.
Thanks to business and industry’s commendable efforts over the last number of years, the DNR recently reported air emissions were down significantly. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have decreased the most - down by nearly 90 and 70 percent. ABI members take seriously their roles to be good stewards of the environment and good neighbors. The millions of dollars in investment made by Iowa companies that resulted in the decrease should be commended.
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Iowa Supreme Court Justice Brent Appel to Retire This Summer |
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Justice Brent R. Appel
Photo: iowacourts.gov
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Justice Brent Appel will be stepping down from the Iowa Supreme Court effective July 13 as that is when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 72. Appel was first appointed by former Governor Tom Vilsack in 2006. He is currently the last Justice on the Court that has been appointed by a Democratic Governor. Former Governor Terry Branstad has appointed two of the current Justices while Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed four and will have the opportunity to appoint her fifth Justice in a few months. Candidates seeking to serve on the Court must apply by the end of Friday, June 17th. More information can be found here.
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Department of Education Looking for Educator in Workplace Hosts |
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The Department of Education has an initiative that places educators in the workplace during the summer. The Department has lined up several hosts already, but have a few more school districts still looking for a host. Your participation gives educators valuable exposure to diverse workplaces and a chance to meet industry leaders. That means as a business hosting an educator, you directly contribute to a better-prepared workforce and enhance your talent pipeline. You can find out more information here.
If you are interested in hosting educators, please contact Jessi McQuerrey for more information.
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Watch: Weekly Business Report with Nicole Crain |
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ABI Executive Vice President Nicole Crain outlines what ABI members should know about EPIC. Learn more at https://iavotes.com.
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Foundation: Business Horizons Volunteer Opportunities |
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Would you like to make a positive impact on Iowa high school students? Are you or your company interested in supporting Business Horizons? |
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Volunteers play an immense role in the success of Business Horizons each summer. The program typically hosts more than 75 volunteers throughout the five-day program, providing invaluable connections for students. Volunteer roles and time commitments vary from week-long "advisors" for the student groups, to daily competition judges and consultants. |
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From the Desk of EideBailly |
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Business Considerations with a Remote Workforce
Keeping Your Organization Strong and Secure
Businesses had to move workers out of the office and into their homes as quickly as possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and many remain remote workers today. Fine-tuning the logistics of a remote workforce can prove challenging even in the best of times.
Operating a remote workforce comes with inherent risks and concerns businesses must account for on a regular basis. If you’ve switched to a work-from-home structure at your organization, you’ve probably encountered a few of them already, such as preventing cybersecurity incidents and fraud or perhaps ensuring sales tax is properly calculated for nexus. Many organizations continue to work remotely, have started offering telework, or hybrid scenarios.
Whether your whole company is considering going remote full-time or maintaining a partially remote workforce, you must stay informed and vigilant to protect your business’ security and prevent fraud. Other key factors you will need to consider are providing adequate technology, supplies and communication to your remote employees as well as adhering to proper tax rules and regulations.
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Click on the headlines to learn about the latest ABI member news. |
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