September 24, 2021
ABI and Members Sign Onto Letter
Opposing Federal Tax Hikes
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry's (ABI) members joined forces with other stakeholders by signing onto a letter addressed to our Congressional Delegation, encouraging them not to support tax increases that would jeopardize future growth and set back the business community’s recovery from the pandemic. The letter, spearheaded and also signed by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, ABI, the Iowa Business Council and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, was submitted on Wednesday. Congress is currently in the middle of crafting a reconciliation package that would increase corporate taxes, international taxes and capital gains taxes. Congress is also considering proposals that would limit the stepped-up basis allowance and 1031 like-kind exchanges, as well as reduce the number of pass-through entities that could use IRC 199A and like-kind exchanges. As Iowa businesses compete in a global economy, it’s imperative that Congress reject any changes to the current tax code that make our tax climate more burdensome.
ABI to File Amicus Brief on Shoulder Cases
Before the Iowa Supreme Court
Since the historic rewrite and passage of the Iowa Workers Compensation Code in 2017, ABI has been monitoring agency and court interpretations of the revised statute to preserve the gains to employers achieved through its adoption. A central feature of the revised language was to treat a workplace injury to a shoulder as only an injury to the shoulder, rather than an injury to the entire body. 

This provision is significant to the financial liability an employer would have in such cases and the 2017 shoulder definitions brought Iowa in line with other states. Not unsurprisingly, interpretation of the statute has been challenged administratively and in court. Recently, administrative law judges rendered initial decisions negative to employers. However, Iowa Workers Compensation Division Commissioner Joseph Cortese reversed in a decision the business community supports.

Attorneys eager to erode the clarity of the 2017 law change have now taken the case to the Iowa Supreme Court and ABI is responding by leading an effort to file an amicus brief in the case. For more information on the case or to participate in the amicus brief contact JD Davis.
ABI Joins Coalition in Opposition to Proposed IRS Reporting Requirements
ABI, along with the Iowa Bankers Association, the Iowa Business Council, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the Iowa Taxpayers Association and the Iowa chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business signed onto a letter addressed to our Congressional Delegation asking that they oppose a proposal related to financial institution income tax reporting. Congress is considering the idea as part of the reconciliation package. It would allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to require financial institutions and other providers of financial services to track and submit IRS information on the inflows and outflows of every account above a de minimis threshold of $600 during the year. The onerous proposal infringes upon the privacy of account holders and businesses, would require significant resources to implement and enforce and would increase tax preparation costs. ABI would like to thank the Iowa Bankers Association for spearheading this effort.
Unemployment Rate Remains Steady
Iowa’s unemployment rate was 4.1% for the month of August, which is the same as it was in July. August’s unemployment rate nationally was 5.2%. The number of unemployed Iowans increased by 300 in August to 67,900, which is still lower than the year-ago level of 86,000 according to Iowa Workforce Development’s press release. The labor force participation rate also slightly declined from 66.9% to 66.8%. At this time last year, it was 65.9%. These statistics come as there are currently thousands of jobs available in the state. 
SOS Encourages Participation in National Voter Registration Month
September is National Voter Registration Month and Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowans to register to vote. Tuesday, September 28 is National Voter Registration Day and even if you are currently registered to vote, it’s important to make sure your information is up to date. Although 2021 is an off-year for most elections, those running for city council and school boards across Iowa will be on the ballot this November. ABI encourages everyone who is eligible to take advantage of their right to vote by getting registered and making your voice heard during the election process. You can check your registration status, register to vote or update your information here. View the Secretary’s press release here.
FEDERAL SPOTLIGHT
 Infrastructure Vote Set for Next Week
This August, ABI signed onto a letter sent to the Iowa delegation requesting support for the “hard” infrastructure bill pending before the U.S. House. Legislators are expected to vote on this legislation Monday, September 27, 2021 as a compromise negotiated by Speaker Nancy Pelosi after the legislation passed the U.S. Senate with 69 affirmative votes. The compromise was required to get the support of some House Democrats who wish to see this bill pass, even as negotiations continue on a larger $3.5 trillion human infrastructure bill.

Passage on the “hard” infrastructure bill is not guaranteed. House Democrats, whose priority is the larger social infrastructure bill, have not committed to supporting that measure. A “hard “ infrastructure bill with support for highways, broadband, water and sewer systems and more has been an unrealized priority of the business community during the Trump presidency and now.
ABI UPDATE
Join ABI Next Week!
Don't miss these valuable workshops at the Advanced Manufacturing Conference which are certain to help you plan the next stages of your company and accelerate toward innovation. 

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

  • State and Federal Tax Update and Potential Planning Opportunities or Pitfals
  • Taking a Deep Dive on Iowa’s Manufacturing 4.0 plan
  • ESOPs in Advanced Manufacturing
  • The Buying Journey
  • Marijuana Maze: Tips for Employers on Navigating the Changing Legal Landscape
  • Repurposing Your Engineering Assets in a New Reality
  • Strategic Techniques to Innovate Around Patented Technologies
  • Building a Manufacturing Workplace for the Future
  • Learn How to Reduce Your Tax Liability & Potentially Take Advantage of the R&D Tax Credit
  • Inside the Ransomware Wave: How to Prevent Attacks and Limit the Damage
Welcome New ABI Members!
Join us in welcoming our newest
ABI Members!



ABI FOUNDATION UPDATE

Learn about the upcoming year of Leadership Iowa starting in October from ABI Foundation Director of Programs Jessi McQuerrey and Leadership Iowa Program Chair John Osako (LI ’15-16, Informatics, Inc.). Check out the 2021-22 Leadership Iowa class list and schedule to see if these leaders in every corner of the state are from or coming to your community.
FROM THE DESK OF
Furniture Considerations to Welcome and Support Neurodiversity 
By Lauren Gant, PhD, CPE, WELL AP on allsteeloffice.com, An HNI Company

As students of and enthusiasts for workplaces, we learned many lessons from the trials and difficulties presented in 2020. In many ways, the places we work have become extensions of who we are and what we represent – we bring our thoughts, feelings, challenges (and sometimes furry and/or human dependents) with us when we ‘punch the clock.’ It is no longer an option to overlook the impact of space on the people who occupy it.


CLICK HERE to read learn about what employers can consider to present a welcoming and supportive neurodiverse workspace.
MEMBER NEWS
Click on the headlines to learn about the latest ABI member news
Please submit member news to: communications@iowaabi.org
ISU & CIRAS Industry 4.0 Survey
Your Input is Needed!
ISU and ABI Advisory Council Member CIRAS are assessing Iowa manufacturers’ needs related to Industry 4.0, and they need your input! Click the link below to take a 15 minute survey to help them better understand where the critical needs are and how to best provide support.

CLICK HERE to complete the survey, and please feel free to share this link with other Iowa manufacturing companies that you think should participate.
Four ABI Members Represented in
BizTimes' List of 2021 Rising Stars
Four ABI members were represented in the BizTimes list of 2021 Rising Stars, including:

Brian Davis, Cottingham & Butler
Katie Thomas, Honkamp Krueger & Co.
Danielle Moore, John Deere
Gisella Aitken-Shadle, Northeast Iowa Community College

CLICK HERE to read more and watch videos of all of the award winners.
TOP SUPPORTERS - GOVERNOR