2020 ABI Public Policy Development Begins

As you have read in past editions of Business Record Iowa, at ABI, planning for the next legislative session begins as soon as the previous session has adjourned. ABI’s public policy team traveled throughout the state in May to meet with members and discuss the outcome of the 2019 legislative session and provide a preview of issues that may come up during the 2020 legislative session.

These meetings are the starting point for ABI’s policy development process. However, the bulk of the work takes place during the public policy committee process. Committee meetings, which are strictly for members only, allow for engagement and dialogue with other members on key issues facing Iowa employers. The committee meetings will take place in Des Moines at the ABI office next month. The more members who engage, the better ABI can represent Iowa businesses during the 2020 legislative session.

Each year, more than 100 different companies participate in the committee meetings and more than 300 members participate in the policy development process. This engagement plays an integral role in the accomplishments ABI has seen at the Statehouse the last few years.

After the policy meetings, the ABI Legislative Committee will meet to review committee recommendations and propose association priorities to the ABI Board of Directors. The ABI Board will also meet in September to finalize the 2020 legislative priorities and policies. Learn more about the committees below and visit www.iowaabi.org/events to register.

August 6 | Workplace & Product Safety
Focuses on the safety of any business’ most valuable resource: its people, as well as the products and ser- vices they make and provide. This committee will address occupational safety, workers’ compensation and liability issues.

August 7 | Employment and Workforce
Focuses on traditional human resource issues, including health care benefits and the challenges of work- force and skill development, as well as unemployment compensation issues.

August 13 | Environment
Focuses on air, water and land quality issues impacting the regulated community, including permitting challenges.

August 14 | Economic Growth
Focuses on economic development issues ranging from workforce and economic development state incen- tive programs to transportation of people and goods. Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham will speak to attendees at the beginning of the meeting.

August 15 | Tax
Focuses on all forms of taxes levied on businesses, including property, income, sales and use taxes.