I don’t know about yours, but my year is off to a fast start. With each new year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the past year and develop new goals to increase our personal success. The political action committee of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (IIPAC) does the same thing after each election. IIPAC is not about Republicans or Democrats; “It’s About Jobs”. IIPAC, like ABI and Iowa business leaders, want to endorse candidates who care about a good climate for keeping and growing jobs in Iowa. As Chair of IIPAC, I want to share the 2012 successes and 2013 goals with you.
Thanks to you, IIPAC had another successful election. However, much more must be done. In Iowa’s not so distant history, Iowa businesses were on the defense. Statehouse leaders and the Governor were attempting to repeal Iowa’s Right to Work Law, overturn employer directed medical care in Workers’ Compensation, and expand collective bargaining. Thanks to key pro-business legislators and defense on the Hill we held our ground. In fact, Atlantic has grown 7 1/2% and hired 10 new employees as we climb out of the recession. Our growth would have been impeded by changes to those bedrock issues mentioned above.
Now I realize there is not an election in 2013. However, our funds were depleted after the 2012 election. In order to prevent businesses from being on the defensive, we must start to prepare for 2014 now to compete with other organizations who are trying to hamper our ability to create jobs in Iowa. The importance of ABI/IIPAC can be summed up best by the following snapshot:
2012 Fundraising Results ABI/IIPAC Results
AFSCME: $382,692 Candidates Endorsed: 83
Trial Lawyers: $124,938 Iowa House: 55/63-87%
ABI/IIPAC: $54,431 Iowa Senate: 14/19-74%
Just imagine what we could have done if we had the resources to spend dollar for dollar what the opposition is dishing out. We don’t want to turn back the clock to 2008. Help IIPAC reach its goal in 2013 today! ABI represents over 300,000 employees. If each person would give $1 we would be close to the largest employee union in the state. IIPAC’s goal should be an easy one to reach. We want to raise $75,000 and have 350 individual contributors. 350 contributors represent only 1% of the total employee base of the ABI membership.
Iowa’s business PAC appreciates and invests your personal funds wisely. Board members and staff meet the candidates and speak with leaders of both parties and business leaders in districts to get insight as to who would best work to create a climate for jobs in the Iowa Legislature. The funds raised will be used to contribute directly to candidates. Iowa’s business PAC does not support one party or the other. We directly invest in individual candidates who understand “It’s about Jobs”.
The ask is simple. Help us keep Iowa competitive. Please consider a contribution today by going to /index.cfm?nodeID=12485&audienceID=1. IIPAC will continue to use your resources judiciously. Currently the Iowa Legislature is considering a host of proposals that impact Iowa business leaders. ABI is at the Capitol every day making sure the business voice is heard inside the building. Please do your part to make sure the voice of Iowa business is heard beyond the Capitol rotunda. Help IIPAC reach its 2013 Goal. We can’t do it without you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
Kirk Tyler
Paid for by Iowa Industry Political Action Committee
