What Do You Want the Future of Business in Iowa to Look Like?

The theme for the July Business Monthly is the Annual CEO Survey, with reporting on trends in business, the business climate and perspectives from key industry voices. One purpose for highlighting the survey is to educate readers and public policymakers on the state of business in Iowa. It’s hoped that the collective knowledge will serve as a guide to future public policy.

Your ABI public policy team will use the information to educate policymakers as well. In addition to the survey, ABI also convenes industry experts for feedback on specific aspects of policy affecting membership.

Next month, ABI will hold Public Policy Committee meetings at the ABI offices in Des Moines. As an ABI member, you or someone from your team is encouraged to participate and provide the expertise vital to ensure that we continue to improve the competitiveness of the business climate in Iowa.

We seek input in five specific issue areas:

1. Workplace and Product Safety | August 5

Most recently this committee has forwarded public policy recommendations that have become law affecting Iowa’s drug testing law, tort reform for medical employers and trucking companies as well as managing costs and creating predictability in workers compensation cases. Guest Speaker: Larry Johnson, Director - Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing.

2. Employment and Workforce | August 14

New laws relating to work-based learning, expansion of apprenticeship programs, childcare solutions and ongoing support for workforce housing incentives all started as initiatives of this committee. Policy and tax rate changes for Iowa's unemployment system started in this committee. Guest Speaker: Beth Townsend, Director, Iowa Workforce Development.

3. Environment | August 19

This committee recently saw success in limiting arbitrary air dispersion modeling not required by federal or state law, saving expanding businesses regulatory burdens at the time of investment. Guest Speaker: Ed Tomey, Division Administrator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

4. Economic Growth | August 21

A two-year effort of this committee saw the enactment in 2024 of a MEGA-site incentive package allowing Iowa to compete with other states in landing billion-dollar investments in the Iowa economy. Guest Speaker: Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority.

5. Tax | August 26

Business taxes today are lower because of the work of this committee. Employers structured as pass-through entities will see a flat 3.8% income tax rate, and corporate filers are ahead of schedule to a flat 5.5% rate in just a few tax cycles. Like 2025, the 2026 Legislative Session will focus on property taxes. Guest Speaker: TBD

Thanks to you, the ABI member companies, that have participated in the public policy committee process. Your engagement has clearly led to an improved business climate in Iowa. Please consider continuing those efforts. And for member companies that have not participated, please consider picking a committee and getting involved.