2011 Legislative News

December 21, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Invite Legislators to Your Facility

ABI Board Chair Fred Buie is encouraging all ABI members to invite local legislators to their facility to show them your operation and discuss challenges you face. Most Legislators are very receptive to invites from local employers and welcome these opportunities. If you’d like assistance in inviting or identifying your local state representative or state senator, just click here or contact ABI Senior Vice President John Gilliland.

ABI Presidential Caucus Tools

The Iowa First in the Nation Presidential Caucuses are Tuesday, January 3^rd! You can be part of history – we show you 3 easy steps to participate. Just visit the ABI website to click on the special Presidential Caucus link to learn about the candidates, find out where they are campaigning as well as find our how and where to attend your precinct caucus on Tuesday, January 3^rd at 7pm.

ABI Legislative Briefing & Reception January 11

Early Bird Registration is now open for the biggest legislative event of the year! The annual ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception attracts more legislators than any other event of its kind. Why? Because legislators want to hear straight from you – the job creators from their local communities. The “members only” briefing will give ABI members a preview of the 2012 legislative session as well as details on the 2012 ABI Legislative Agenda. Legislators from both political parties then join the event for social discussion of the issues facing Iowa employers. The event moves to the newly renovated, downtown Des Moines Marriott this year.

December 15, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

ABI Presidential Caucus Tools

The Iowa First in the Nation Presidential Caucuses are less than three (3) weeks away. You can be part of history – we show you 3 easy steps to participate. Just visit the ABI website to click on the special Presidential Caucus link to learn about the candidates, find out where they are campaigning as well as find our how and where to attend your precinct caucus on Tuesday, January 3^rd at 7pm.

ABI Executive Committee Meets Legislative Leaders

ABI’s Executive Committee completed meetings with legislative leaders last week with great discussions with both Senate Leaders - Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) and Jerry Behn (R-Boone) as well as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Des Moines). The 2012 ABI Legislative Agenda and the “Its About Jobs” program was outlined to encourage legislators to visit ABI member facilities in the coming weeks.

Union Posting Requirement Lawsuit
In August, the NLRB issued a final rule requiring all employers, subject to the National Labor Relations Act, to post a notice of employees’ right to join a union. ABI’s affiliate organization, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) filed a lawsuit against the NLRB, challenging the proposed rule. 36 Members of Congress, filed an amicus brief with the court supporting the contention the NLRB lacks the authority to issue such a rule. The oral arguments for the case will be held the morning of December 19 at the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC. It is anticipated the judge will make her ruling prior to the rule’s effective date of January 31, 2012.

Invite Legislators to Your Facility

ABI Legislative Briefing & Reception January 11

Don’t Be Left Off the Nice List

Are you on the list of 2011 IIPAC Investors? Join your peers today and make an investment in improving Iowa’s business climate. Whether its $25, $50, or $100 – your investment means more pro-business candidates will serve in elected office and make decisions about Iowa laws, rules and regulations that impact business. Invest Today.

December 8, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

ABI Leaders Meet with House Leaders

On Wednesday, ABI’s Executive Committee met with Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen and House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer to discuss the 2012 ABI legislative agenda. The ABI leaders stressed a focus on pro-economic growth policies and encouraged less partisanship in the 2012 legislative session. The “Its About Jobs” program was also outlined to encourage House members to visit ABI member facilities in the coming months. The ABI Executive Committee will meet with Senate leadership as well as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Friday.

ABI Legislative Briefing & Reception January 11

Invite Legislators to Your Facility

Don’t Be Left Off the Nice List

Gilliland, Condon Advancing ABI Public Policy Agenda

New ABI Director Government Affairs Kevin Condon joined the association this week. He takes the place of former staff member Nicole Molt, who left ABI for a new position as president of the Iowa Taxpayers Association.

Kevin will work with ABI Senior Vice President John Gilliland to advance the association's public policy agenda with Governor Terry Branstad and the Iowa General Assembly. John and Kevin will be at the Capitol every day to represent Iowa employers. Watch for news from Capitol each week in this publication or follow John and Kevin on Twitter for additional updates.

December 1, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

ABI 2012 Priorities: It’s About Jobs

The ABI Board reviewed all the policy positions recommended from ABI’s five public policy committees and approved an agenda focused on job creation and retention. Legislation is being drafted for the 2012 legislative session focused on Tax Policy, Education and Regulatory Reform that will make Iowa more competitive for job creation. The detailed agenda will be profiled at the annual ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 – registration is now open for this fantastic event.

Leaders to Meet Leaders

Next week members of the ABI Executive Committee will meet with Republican and Democratic leaders of both the Iowa House and Senate to discuss the 2012 ABI Legislative Agenda. The ABI leadership will stress a focus on sound economic policy initiatives with less partisanship in 2012. This will be ABI’s first formal visit with newly elected Republican Senate Leader Jerry Behn (R-Boone). Behn is a long-time ally of ABI with a stellar pro-jobs voting record. Behn was elected leader by his peers on November 10^th.

Invite Legislators to Your Facility

Don’t Be Left Off the Nice List

Many of your fiends, colleagues and peers are already on the list of 2011 IIPAC Investors. Join them today and make an investment in improving Iowa’s business climate. Whether its $25, $50, or $100 – your investment means more pro-business candidates will serve in elected office and make decisions about Iowa laws, rules and regulations that impact business. Invest Today. The Iowa Industry PAC is the only statewide political action committee advocating for general business issues and candidates.

Senate Committees Shuffle

With the resignation of Senator Swati Dandekar (D-Marion), Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal has announced that Senator Matt McCoy (D-Des Moines) will take over for Dandekar as chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. He previously served as Vice Chair. Senator Liz Mathis (D-Marion) who was elected to fill Dandekar’s seat, has been assigned to serve on the Senate Commerce, Economic Growth, Human Resources, and Ways & Means Committees as well as the Economic Growth Appropriations Subcommittee.

November 17, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

ABI Board to Set 2012 Legislative Agenda

The ABI Board meets today to review and set the 2012 ABI Legislative Priorities. The agenda will no doubt reflect the “Its About Jobs” program set earlier this fall by the Board focusing on policy over politics in this troubling economic climate. The five ABI public policy committees did great work this fall discussing a broad array of topics and issues of importance ABI members. ABI Board Vice Chair Dennis Murdock, CIPCO; led the ABI Legislative Committee’s review of more than 100 policy positions recommended by the committees. The Board action Thursday will establish priorities for the 2012 legislative session. Watch for details soon. Also plan to attend the 2012 ABI Legislative Briefing and Reception set for Wednesday, January 11th.

Don’t Be Left Off the List

Many of your fiends, colleagues and peers are already on the list of 2011 IIPAC Investors. Join them today and make an investment in improving Iowa’s business climate. Whether its $25, $50, or $100 – your investment means more pro-business candidates will serve in elected office and make decisions about Iowa laws, rules and regulations that impact business. Invest Today. The Iowa Industry PAC is the only statewide political action committee advocating for general business issues and candidates.

Gilliland Attends Tort Reform Meetings

ABI Senior Vice President, Government Relations John Gilliland was the guest of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) at its annual state coalitions conference this week. The conference hosted by ATRA assists state business coalition leaders with strategy and resources for tort reform measures to be adopted by state legislatures. Among the presenters were liability experts from Fortune 500 companies, national law firms, media and political experts as well as national and state trade associations.

Congratulations Fox on 7

No, Fox 7 is not a television station. Rather November 17 marks 7years of service to ABI by Leisa Fox, our Vice President for Membership. Under Leisa’s leadership, ABI membership development has grown stronger and programming has expanded exponentially. Congratulations Leisa on your 7^th anniversary at ABI!

November 10, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Governor Branstad Will Not Support Gas Tax Increase

A coalition of groups supporting an increase in Iowa’s fuel taxes met with Governor Terry Branstad on Monday and he informed the group that he would not support an .08 to .10 cent fuel tax increase or other transportation related fee increases for road repairs. This comes after the Transportation 2020 study committee held meetings across the state and developed a proposal. Without the Governor’s support, it is highly unlikely that the legislature will take up the legislation in 2012.

Democrats Hold Senate Seat

Democrats have maintained their 26-24 majority in the Iowa Senate following the Special Election Tuesday in Senate District 18. Democratic candidate Liz Mathis, a former television anchor, beat GOP businesswoman Cindy Golding by a margin of 56% to 44%. Turnout including absentee balloting was high in the hotly contested race. Mathis garnered 13,184 votes to Golding's 10,283. ABI looks forward to working with Mathis and learning her views on business issues – Mathis failed to complete ABI’s pro-jobs questionnaire prior to the election.

ABI Weighs in on Workers' Compensation Rate Filing

This week ABI filed comments with the Iowa Insurance Commissioner in opposition to a proposed workers' compensation insurance rate filing that will index medical costs. Filing E-1402 proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance includes a $15,000 split point using a national claims index for medical expenses in Iowa that can be increased annually. ABI argued that using the index circumvents the annual experience of Iowa businesses when a national index is used rather than an actual experience rating.

Want a Better Business Climate?

To improve Iowa’s business climate tomorrow, invest in the Iowa Industry PAC today. Whether its $25, $50, or $100 – your investment means more pro-business candidates will serve in elected office and make decisions about Iowa laws, rules and regulations that impact business. Invest Today. The Iowa Industry PAC is the only statewide political action committee advocating for general business issues and candidates.

Economic Development and Transportation Conference

Save the date for a spring conference hosted by the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa Economic Development Authority – to bring together users and providers of the transportation industry and economic development officials. Tuesday, April 24, 2012 – Sheraton -West Des Moines.

November 3, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

ABI Members Fill New Economic Development Boards

As reported last week, Governor Terry Branstad’s Executive Order 75 creates new governing bodies for the legislatively created Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress (IPEP). This week, he named the private sector members of the IPEP Board as well as the Iowa Innovation Corporation. It’s no surprise that the vast majority of the business leaders named to the boards lead long-time ABI member companies; three (3) are past chairs of the ABI Board of Directors.

The ABI members of the IPEP board include:

Tom Aller, President, Interstate Power and Light, Alliant Energy

Mary Andringa, President and CEO, Vermeer Corporation (past ABI Chair)

Bill Fehrmann, President and CEO, MidAmerican Energy Company

Clay Jones, Chairman, President and CEO, Rockwell Collins

Ken Lockard, Chairman, Lockard Companies

Paul Schickler III, President, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business

Toby Shine, President, Shine Brothers Corporation (past ABI Chair)

Larry Zimpleman, CEO, Principal Financial Group

ABI Members of the Iowa Innovation Corporation board include:

Sarah Haskin, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, AY McDonald Manufacturing Company (past ABI chair)

Cara Heiden, retired, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Peter Hempken, retired, DuPont

Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin Industries Inc.

Scott Norvell, President and CEO, Master Builders of Iowa

Robert Riley, Jr., President and CEO, Feed Energy Co.

Jamie Zanios, Vice President, North Iowa Area Community College

Find Your Polling Place – Election Tuesday

The special Senate election in Linn County is Tuesday, November 8^th. Find your polling location in the Voter Toolkit on the Iowa Prosperity Project (P2) website. Tuesday is also election day for many mayors and city councils too. Contact your county auditor for city election polling locations.

Manufacturers Talk Jobs with Candidates

On Tuesday, hundreds of Iowa business leaders joined Vermeer CEO Mary Andringa in Pella for a Presidential Candidate Forum exclusively on manufacturing. The event hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers featured five (5) candidates each participating in a question and answer interview speaking to their plans for jump starting the economy. The 90 minute program, as well as each candidates separated portions, can be seen on Iowa Public Television website.

Policy Process Survey

We would love your feedback on ABI’s public policy development process. Please take a few moments and answer this brief survey.

Want a Better Business Climate?

October 27, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Governor Creates Economic Partnership Board

Governor Terry Branstad signed Executive Order 75 Monday creating a Board for the new Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress (IPEP). According to the order, the board may have up to 15 members appointed by the governor; including 11 individuals who are actively engaged in the private, for profit sector of the economy or have experience in private sector job creation and economic development. The board members are subject to Senate confirmation.

The Board will also have four ex-officio, non-voting members - the chair of the economic authority board, the head of the Iowa Innovation Corporation, the director of the economic development authority and the governor, or his designee.

Who Cares What You Think? We Do!

Now that the ABI public policy committees have met and recommended positions for ABI for the 2012 legislative session, ABI staff seeks member feedback on the policy development process. Please take a few moments and answer this brief survey on the ABI PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. Even if you missed the meetings, we want to hear from you.

We also want your input on the ABI Election Program to be the most impactful advocacy organization in Iowa. If you haven’t already, please answer the brief ABI ELECTION SURVEY.

Want a Better Business Climate?

To improve Iowa’s business climate tomorrow, you need to invest in the Iowa Industry PAC today. Whether its $25, $50, or $100 – your investment means more pro-business candidates will serve in elected office and make decisions about Iowa laws, rules and regulations that impact business. Invest Today. The Iowa Industry PAC is the only statewide political action committee advocating for general business issues and candidates.

Live in Senate District 18 in Linn County?

The special election in Senate District 18 in the Marion/Hiawatha area is just a little more than one (1) week away. Find your polling location in the Voter Toolkit on the Iowa Prosperity Project (P2) website.

October 20, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0600

ABI Executive Committee Meets with Governor

Last week, the ABI Executive Committee met with Governor Terry Branstad at the Capitol to discuss ABI’s “Its About Jobs” agenda. The Governor was very receptive to the ideas and pledged to work with businesses to improve Iowa’s economic environment. ABI Chair Fred Buie, Keystone Electrical Manufacturing; told the Governor that ABI will work diligently to promote only legislation that will impact job creation in 2012.

Invest in Business Climate, Invest in IIPAC

Make sure your voice and the voice of your business is heard by making an investment in the business climate today. Whether its $25, $50, or $100 – you can make an impact on the business climate. Invest Today. Thank you to those who have helped us work toward our goal of 350 investors by year end!

Early Voting in Senate District 18 Now

Make sure you and your employees in the Marion/Hiawatha area are registered to vote and make sure your voice is heard by requesting an early voting ballot be sent to your home or business. Go to our easy Voter Toolkit on the Iowa Prosperity Project (P2) website now!

EPA Air Pollution Rule Workshop

EPA is offering a free Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Implementation

Training Workshop on Thursday, November 10, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) Training Center. Representatives from EPA's Clean Air Market Division (CAMD) and Region 7 will be available to discuss topics on the

implementation of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.There is no cost to attend but space is limited. To register, please visit the following link on EPA's website: http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/workshops/CSAPRNov2011.html

EPA Region 7 CSAPR Workshop

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2011

Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Location: NOAA's National Weather Service Training Center, 7220 N.W.

101st Terrace; Kansas City, MO 64153 http://www.nwstc.noaa.gov/

Policy Committees Complete Work

Wednesday the ABI Tax Committee had great dialogue with Iowa Department of Revenue Director Courtney Kay-Decker as well as discussion over a number of income, sales and property tax issues facing employers. This was the last of the five ABI policy committees to meet this fall to craft ABI’s 2012 legislative agenda. Watch for a survey on the meetings and process soon to provide ABI valuable feedback for future policy development.

October 13, 2011

Iowa Association of Business and Industry — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Policy Committees Hear Progress

ABI’s Employment and Workforce Committee heard great progress from Iowa Workforce Development Director Teresa Wahlert this week at its annual policy meeting regarding the department’s efforts to integrate jobless claimants with their job seeker database. IWD has also added an Unemployment Fraud reporting mechanism to its website http://www.iowaworkforce.org/ui/forms/claimantfraud.asp. Reports may be anonymous.

Department of Economic Development Director Debi Durham shared with the ABI Economic Growth Committee the progress on the department’s new structure and personnel as well as updated the group on simplification and streamlining efforts for the state’s economic growth strategy. She also shared positive momentum from recent international trade missions.

Early Voting in Linn County Has Begun

Time to Act

The Special Election on November 8^th in Senate District 18 in Linn County is a unique opportunity for the business community to help elect a pro-business leader now, instead of waiting for the general election next year.

Make sure your voice and the voice of your business is heard by making an investment in the business climate today. Whether its $25, 50, or $100 – you can make an impact on the business climate in this special election on November 8^th. Invest Today.

Branstad Joins 24 Attorneys General to Curb EPA Power Plant Standards

Attorneys General from Twenty-four states and the U.S. Territory of Guam on Monday filed an amicus brief urging a federal court to require the Environmental Protection Agency to delay for at least a year, the implementation of new air emissions regulations from coal-fired power plants. The EPA is under court order to finalize the maximum achievable control technology rule for utilities, also known as utility MACT, on Nov. 16. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller chose not to join the states’ efforts. Fortunately, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, as a representative of the people of Iowa, did sign on to the amicus brief.