The 2022 Legislative Session Will Continue into Next Week
The Iowa Legislature took relatively little public action this week as leaders in the House, Senate and Gov. Kim Reynolds continue to negotiate on issues that must be addressed before the session adjourns. The Iowa House didn’t do any floor work this week, while the Iowa Senate debated some bills on Monday before going home. Some of the key issues that must be resolved include: the passage of a budget, educational savings accounts (school choice), transparency in education and tax reform 2.0. Nothing changed this week on the issues that ABI is still closely working on, including HF 2384, which is the pharmacy benefit manager bill. For a recap of some key bills that were acted upon last week, click here.
Des Moines Regional Meeting Postponed Due to Session Timeline
The first of five ABI public policy regional meetings, which was set to be held in Des Moines on May 11, is getting moved to a later date because the Iowa Legislature is still working towards adjournment for the year. At the time when ABI regional meeting dates were set, it appeared that the legislature would adjourn around, or not much past, the end of April. That’s clearly not the case, as the legislature could continue to work over the next several weeks due to outstanding disagreements over key policy issues. Watch the ABI newsletter for more information on a rescheduled date and time for the Des Moines meeting. You can view and register for other regional meetings here.
Available Now: Latest Edition of ABI Environment Committee Newsletter
Approximately 2-3 times a year, ABI staff construct a newsletter that is solely focused on environmental issues. We take a deep dive into topics that fall under the air and water quality bureaus of the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources, mention the latest from the federal level and EPA, highlight upcoming meetings and more. Those who sit on the Environment Committee received the newsletter on Monday morning. If you aren’t on the committee, but would like a copy of the newsletter, click below!
Governor Signs More Bills into Law
On Monday, Gov. Reynolds signed 26 bills that the legislature recently passed. The subject matter of the bills ranges from electronic delivery of certain insurance notices to changes the Dept. of Revenue will implement. Other issues include increasing penalties for delivery of heroin and the forfeiture of bail. You can view the entire list here.
Iowa Legislature Holds Inaugural Slow-pitch Softball Game for Charity
Republicans and Democrats held their first annual slow-pitch softball game this past Sunday as they raised money for the Puppy Jake Foundation and the Iowa Food Bank Association. The Puppy Jake Foundation helps military veterans through the assistance of service dogs and the Iowa Food Bank Association is a collaboration of Feeding America food banks that serve the state. The event raised several thousand dollars for both organizations. ABI joined a variety of individuals and organizations in sponsoring the game. Republicans won the game 27-16.
Photos courtesy of Brad Hartkopf, ABI Director of Public Policy, who served as an umpire for the inaugural game.
Federal Spotlight: USDOJ Launches Environmental Justice Office
This week, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the Justice Department will have a new Office of Environmental Justice. Attorney General Garland announced that the goal of this office is to serve as the "central hub" for the department's "efforts to advance [its] comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy." This office will work with the EPA to address environmental law violations.

Learn more from the Justice Department's announcement.
ABI Social Trivia Contest Winners
Women's History Month
Trivia Winner: Wade Den Hartog
Foster Group
Prize: ABI Swag Bag
2022 Annual Conference
Trivia Winner: Chris Wood
Science Center of Iowa
Prize: Free Conference Registration
Don't miss future trivia contests! Be sure to follow and engage with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Conference Spotlight: Workshops
When you attend the annual Taking Care of Business Conference, you'll gain valuable insights from main stage speakers and workshop programming you can immediately apply to your business.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the workshops you'll have the chance to attend:
  • More Yoda, Less Superman: Coaching Skills That Will Change How You Lead
  • Retention Toolbox: Key Strategies to Keep Key Employees
  • Revolutionary Roadmap: The Next Stage of Manufacturing 4.0
  • Solving the Missing Links: Solutions for Supply Chain Challenges

...AND SO MUCH MORE! View all workshops by clicking the Agenda button below!
Watch: Weekly Business Report
Brain Health Now is a grassroots organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding the term “mental illness". In this week's Weekly Business Report, Claira Sieverding Kapraun, director of Brain Health Now, shares why employers and employees are focusing on solutions to address brain health in the workplace.
From the Desk of Mike Ralston, President
Don’t Miss Next Month’s Annual Conference in Dubuque

Last week, I joined ABI leaders and staff members for meetings in Dubuque. The meetings were important as we finalize plans for the 2022 Taking Care of Business Conference, ABI's 119th annual convention. The conference will be held in Dubuque in just a little over a month from now, on June 14-16.

Ladies and gentlemen, you do not want to miss this event!

While I admit that I can be given to hyperbole at times, I assure you that is not the case when I say this conference will be spectacular. The entire Greater Dubuque region is buzzing about the conference and the excitement building there is nothing short of amazing.

You already know that not one, but two nationally-acclaimed keynote speakers will address the conference. In addition, the leader of one of Iowa’s largest companies will also speak to convention attendees. In a tradition spanning decades, the Governor of Iowa will join us. Dozens of high-value breakouts will be a part of the event. Fabulous tours and activities will be on tap. Truly world-class venues, golf at one of our state’s oldest and finest private clubs, and great food are more conference highlights. To top it off, hospitality from one of America’s great river cities is in store for everyone at the event.

Those things are terrific and any one of them makes a good reason you should attend. But they aren't what will make the meeting so special. 

YOU are the reason the conference will be smashingly successful. Time and again, ABI members say that the opportunity to interact with each other is the primary reason they attend the conference each year. Learning from each other, sharing best practices, perhaps making a sale, and simply connecting with each is the real highlight of the conference. You will get that and much, much more in Dubuque in June.

Believe me when I say that this year's conference will be like none other. And that is not hyperbole. Go and register today! 

Thank you in advance and I look forward to seeing you next month!
Members Making Headlines
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Submit your member news to: communications@iowaabi.org
Women in Manufacturing Association to host Virtual Career Fair
The Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM)will host its Virtual Career Fair on May 10. The online event will feature some of the country’s top manufacturing companies that lead with DEI initiatives including John Deere, Lockheed Martin, Sanofi US, Braskem America, Graco, Pfizer, Amgen, Cargill, Valvoline and more.
Supporters - Governor