Legislative News

Jun 18, 2021

ABI Public Policy Staff Continues to Communicate the Adverse Impact of Marketable Food Products for Human Consumption Administrative Rule

ABI public Policy staff has been engaged on behalf of members in the food processing industry seeking to change the course of Iowa Department of Revenue's proposed rule ARC 5614C. The rule relates to the sales taxation of inputs used to produce marketable foods for human consumption.

Jun 18, 2021

Governor Signs Tax Bill – ABI Priorities Become Law

Iowa Governor Reynolds signed into law SF619, the centerpiece of the 2021 legislative session. The bill brings certainty to income tax cuts passed in 2018 but not yet enacted...

May 28, 2021

Registration Now Open for Regional Meetings

The 2021 legislative session finished last week and the ABI public policy team is looking forward to meeting with members to break down the results of the session for the business community. 

May 28, 2021

ABI Testifies Against Department of Revenue “Marketable Food Products” Rule

ABI Vice President of Public Policy JD Davis spoke against the proposed rule as it would vastly expand the amount of taxes that the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) can collect from the food processing industry.

May 28, 2021

ABI Files Amicus Brief in Meade v. Christie, et al., (Iowa Supreme Court)

This week, ABI filed an amicus brief with the Iowa Supreme Court outlining our support for member company Employers Mutual Casualty Company (EMCC) in their defense against a class action shareholder’s case brought against the board of directors of EMCC.

May 28, 2021

CDC/OSHA Guidance

OSHA is directing people to refer to CDC guidance for information to protect fully vaccinated workers.

May 21, 2021

2021 Legislative Session Adjourns

The first session of the 89th General Assembly adjourned late Wednesday night, wrapping up its 19th week. 

May 21, 2021

Legislature Passes, Governor Signs State Preemption of Local Government Mask Mandates

The Iowa Legislature passed a measure that is now in effect prohbiting local governments and schools from adopting mask mandates.

May 21, 2021

ABI to Host DNR for Meeting on PFAS

The ABI Environment Committee plans to host a virtual meeting with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to discuss PFAS and the agency’s approach to the matter in Iowa.

May 21, 2021

DNR Proposes No Fee Change for Air Construction Permits

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has announced there will be no changes in Air Quality Bureau fees for the 2022 fiscal year.

May 21, 2021

Opportunity to Comment on 2021 Air Monitoring Network Plan

The public is now welcome to review and comment on Iowa’s 2021 Air Monitoring Network Plan as initially proposed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

May 21, 2021

Iowa Department of Revenue Proposes New Rule on “Marketable Food Products for Human Consumption”

May 21, 2021

House Passes Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

May 14, 2021

Iowa Senate Committees Advance Governor’s Tax Plan

This legislative session will move into the third week of overtime.

May 14, 2021

Governor Ends Iowa’s Participation in Federal Unemployment Benefits

The supplemental federal unemployment benefits will end June 12, 2021.

May 13, 2021

Jackson Manufacturing Hosts Senator Ernst for 99 County Tour Visit

Jack Hasken, ABI Vice Chair and President & CEO of Jackson Manufacturing in Maquoketa, recently had the privilege of inviting and hosting U.S. Senator Joni Ernst at his facility for a town hall meeting.

May 13, 2021

CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Stop Wearing Masks in Most Settings

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued new guidance on masks on Thursday, May 13, 2021, saying that people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask - indoors or outdoors - in most settings.

May 7, 2021

Governor Unveils Compromise Tax Relief/Economic Growth Legislation - Legislative Session Continues

A significant tax relief bill is aimed at establishing a compromise between the House, Senate and Governor that would allow for budget agreements and ultimately provide an end to the 2021 legislative session.

May 7, 2021

Unemployment Proposal Aims to Dramatically Expand Benefits, Increase Taxes on Employers

 The Wyden-Bennet Proposal is being released in concert with President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

May 7, 2021

Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Confirmed to Another Term

This week, the Iowa Senate voted 46-2 in favor of confirming Joe Cortese to serve another six-year term as Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.

Apr 30, 2021

Revised Unemployment Insurance Legislation Advances

On Wednesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee approved SSB 1273, legislation that implements a one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits and eliminates bonus wage credits and benefit weeks when a business closing is involved. 

Apr 30, 2021

Governor Reynolds Signs Broadband Legislation

On Wednesday, Governor Reynolds signed HF 848, a public policy bill that will ultimately facilitate the proliferation of high-speed broadband across the state

Apr 30, 2021

Iowa House Approves Legislation to Prohibit Vaccine Verification

This week, the House passed a bill that would prohibit state and local governments from issuing identification cards that indicate whether or not an individual has been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Apr 30, 2021

Two Other ABI-Backed Bills Head to Governor Reynolds

The House approved SF 567 and the Senate approved HF 523.

Apr 30, 2021

Biden Unveils “American Families Plan”

President Joe Biden delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening where he made the case for his next significant legislative proposal in the American Families Plan.

Apr 23, 2021

Senate and House Unveil New Omnibus Bills Related to Economic Growth; House Passes Broadband Funding

With one week to go until per diem expenses expire for lawmakers in the 2021 legislative session, the Senate and House Ways & Means Chairs have dropped different versions of significant bills aimed at facilitating economic growth in Iowa. 

Apr 23, 2021

ABI Signs Onto Letter Opposing UI Provisions in Violence Against Women Act

ABI added our name to a letter that was sent to Congressional leaders earlier this week opposing unemployment insurance (UI) expansion provisions in H.R. 1620.

Apr 16, 2021

Two Weeks Until 110th Day of 2021 Legislative Session

Budget bills continue to move as the legislature moves toward its 110th day of this legislative session.

Apr 15, 2021

Iowa Supreme Court Issues Statement on Redistricting

Last Thursday, the Iowa Supreme Court released a statement regarding the potential role it could play in the legislative redistricting process.

Apr 9, 2021

Budget Bills Begin to Move as Legislature Eyes Adjournment

The Iowa House and Senate advanced a number of budget bills through the legislative process this week.

Apr 9, 2021

Yellen Calls for Global Minimum Tax on Corporations

In addition to the global minimum tax, the Biden Administration is seeking to raise the corporate income tax from the current 21% to 28%.

Apr 9, 2021

NAM Releases Study to Show Effect of Repealing Tax Reform

Proposals for federal tax increases will lead to less economic activity and 1 million jobs lost in the first two years, according to a new study.

Apr 1, 2021

2nd Congressional District Race is Over

Former Iowa State Sen. Rita Hart has withdrawn her election challenge to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks for the seat in Iowa’s Second Congressional District.

Apr 1, 2021

ABI Priority Issue: Improved Broadband Bill Passes Iowa House

Improving broadband infrastructure in Iowa remains a priority for ABI because businesses increasingly rely on high-speed internet for evolving manufacturing processes. 

Apr 1, 2021

Funnel Week Concludes With ABI Priorities Advancing

This is the point during the legislative session when most bills that are not Appropriations or Ways and Means legislation must have passed through one chamber and then a full committee from the other chamber in order to be considered “alive” for the remainder of the legislative session.

Apr 1, 2021

White House Releases Infrastructure Plan

The $2 trillion proposal is broken up into two parts.

Mar 25, 2021

Second Legislative Funnel is Next Friday

 The Senate GOP has released its budget targets for Fiscal Year 2022.

Mar 25, 2021

Join ABI's Legislative Update Call Tomorrow

JD Davis and Brad Hartkopf from ABI's public policy team will be breaking down the latest from the Capitol.

Mar 25, 2021

REC Projecting Strong Growth for FY22

One of two tax triggers is estimated to be hit.

Mar 25, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Walsh Confirmed as Labor Secretary

The U.S. Senate, in a 68-29 vote, confirmed Marty Walsh as the 29th Secretary of Labor this week.

Mar 24, 2021

Federal Spotlight: ABI Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Child Care for Iowans

When Iowa families are supported, everyone succeeds, which is why affordable child care remains a key priority for ABI.

Mar 18, 2021

Week 10 Concludes With ABI Priority Passing Senate

It was a very significant week at the Capitol as a number of bills that ABI is supporting have moved forward.

Mar 18, 2021

Air Quality Bureau Proposes No New Fee Increases at EPC Meeting

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) held its monthly meeting on Tuesday and there a couple of highlights to note.

Mar 18, 2021

Governor Announces Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund Awardees

13 awardees have received the Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund.

Mar 18, 2021

Unemployment Rate Hits 3.5% for January

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.5 percent from December.

Mar 18, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Latest COVID-19 Aid Package Signed by President Biden

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several measures related to employee benefits and employer-related issues.

Mar 11, 2021

Governor Signs Synthetic Urine Prohibition Legislation Into Law

On Monday, Gov. Reynolds signed into law bipartisan legislation that will enhance the safety of workplaces across the state. 

Mar 11, 2021

Join Us for Tomorrow’s Legislative Update

Be sure to take part in ABI’s Legislative Update tomorrow at 8 a.m.

Mar 11, 2021

Senate Ways & Means Moves Bill to Remove Tax Triggers

On Wednesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee passed SSB 1250, which is legislation that eliminates the tax triggers from the 2018 tax reform law and also phases out the inheritance tax. 

Mar 11, 2021

Recently Signed Election Bill Includes Time Off for Voting

Current Iowa law allows employees time off for voting in certain circumstances. 

Mar 11, 2021

Federal Spotlight: House Passes Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act – Bill Will Impact Iowa's Right to Work Status

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act this week by a 225 to 206 vote. 

Mar 11, 2021

Governor Announces Child Care Task Force, ABI Member to Chair

Gov. Reynolds on Wednesday announced a Child Care Task Force as a result of the Economic Recovery Board’s recommendations. 

Mar 4, 2021

ABI Priorities Clear First Funnel

The first legislative funnel of the 2021 legislative session has come. 

Mar 4, 2021

Federal Spotlight: White House Revokes COVID-19 Executive Order Banning Entry of Certain Immigrants

The White House has revoked Proclamation 10014, which was first imposed in April 2020 to suspend the “entry of immigrants who prevent a risk to the United States labor market” following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mar 4, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Immigration Legislation Proposed

Congress recently introduced theU.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which includes an eight-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and aims to reduce visa backlogs.

Mar 4, 2021

ABI Joins Letter Opposing PRO Act

This week, ABI joined hundreds of other state and national trade associations opposing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. 

Feb 25, 2021

ABI Priorities Advance Ahead of Next Week’s First Legislative Funnel

Week seven of the 2021 Iowa legislative session is finished, and ABI legislative priorities continue to advance.

Feb 25, 2021

Join Us: Legislative Update Tomorrow

With one week left until the first legislative funnel, tomorrow’s Legislative Update is a great opportunity to hear about the policies moving through the legislature and ask questions that are key to your business.

Feb 25, 2021

Changes to PPP Rules: Only Businesses with Fewer Than 20 Employees Can Apply for Relief for the Next Two Weeks

For the next two weeks, the only businesses that can apply for relief through the Paycheck Protection Program are ones with fewer than 20 employees.

Feb 25, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Drug Companies Announce Plans to Boost Delivery of COVID-19 Vaccinations

Pfizer and Moderna both expect to have a combined 220 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine available for delivery by the end of March.

Feb 18, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Iowa Employers Should Keep Close Eye on the Anti-Business Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act

Significant anti-jobs legislation reintroduced this month by federal lawmakers will hurt Iowa businesses and tip the federal labor laws in favor of unions.

Feb 18, 2021

State Sen. Jim Carlin Running for U.S. Senate

Iowa State Sen. Jim Carlin (R-Sioux City) officially announced on Monday that he will run for the Republican nomination in Iowa’s 2022 U.S. Senate race.

Feb 18, 2021

Two Weeks Until the First Funnel Deadline

The first legislative deadline of the 2021 session is fast approaching as lawmakers look to advance their priorities ahead of the first funnel in two weeks.

Feb 11, 2021

Week Five Concludes and ABI Priorities Are On the Move

Several key pieces of ABI’s public policy priorities are moving through the legislative process at the state Capitol.

Feb 11, 2021

Environmental Webinar Takes Place in Two Weeks

ABI members BrownWinick Law Firm and Foley & Lardner LLP will lead an in-depth webinar on federal laws and regulations related to the environment on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 

Feb 11, 2021

Governor Announces Manufacturing Roadmap for Iowa

The governor just announced the state’s Manufacturing 4.0 roadmap to help Iowa manufacturers remain globally competitive. 

Feb 11, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Minimum Wage Increase Sought in Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill

Democratic leaders in both the U.S. House and Senate are seeking to include a $15 federal minimum wage increase in the next COVID-19 aid package.

Feb 4, 2021

Week Four Concludes; ABI Priorities Taking Shape

Several of the policy priorities identified by ABI members during the past summer and fall are on the move. 

Feb 4, 2021

Get Involved: Participate in Legislative Updates

Although no formal day on the hill is planned for 2021, there are several opportunities for you to stay engaged in the public policy activities at ABI.

Feb 4, 2021

Governor Names Bousselot as Budget Director

Gov. Reynolds announced on Monday that she has selected Michael Bousselot to be the director of the Department of Management.

Feb 4, 2021

DNR Wastewater and Drinking Water Rules Meeting Postponed to Next Wednesday

Due to technical difficulties, yesterday’s previously planned stakeholder meeting is being pushed to Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Feb 4, 2021

Federal Spotlight: GOP Senators Propose Alternative COVID-19 Relief Package to Biden

A number of Republican U.S. Senators met with President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss a COVID-19 relief package they are offering as a counter to the $1.9 trillion bill that Biden has put forward.

Feb 4, 2021

Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board Report Released

Gov. Reynolds announced during her press conference today that the Economic Recovery Advisory Board report is now available.

Jan 28, 2021

Week Three of the Iowa Legislature in the Books

Observers of the legislative process know it is critical for legislation to be introduced at the beginning of the legislative session to ensure legislative initiatives advance.

Jan 28, 2021

Dickey Wins Special Election for State Senate Seat in Southeast Iowa

On Tuesday, Republican Adrian Dickey defeated Democrat Mary Stewart in a race to fill the vacant state senate seat in Senate District 41. 

Jan 28, 2021

DNR Stakeholder Meeting on Water Rules Next Week

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is holding a stakeholder meeting on Zoom to discuss several proposed changes to the Iowa Administrative Code regarding separation distances, wastewater, general permits, sludge, private sewage disposal systems and operator certification.

Jan 28, 2021

Iowa Unemployment Rate Drops to Second Lowest in the Nation

On Tuesday, Iowa Workforce Development announced the state’s unemployment rate had plunged to 3.1% for the month of December.

Jan 28, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Biden Signs Executive Order Aimed at Establishment of Emergency Temporary Standard

Last week, President Joe Biden put his signature on an executive order that will affect workplaces across the country.

Jan 21, 2021

Iowa Legislature Moving Full Speed Ahead as Second Week Concludes

Here is a recap of some of the most important issues.

Jan 21, 2021

First Legislative Update Next Week

ABI’s public policy team will hold its first Legislative Update next Friday, Jan. 29, at 8 a.m. 

Jan 21, 2021

Opportunity to Apply for Employer Innovation Fund and Child Care Challenge Fund Grants

Last week, Gov. Reynolds announced employers, employer consortiums and others can now apply for two Future Ready Iowa grants.

Jan 21, 2021

DOR Releases Computer, Computer Peripherals Tax Guidance

On Monday, the Iowa Department of Revenue (DOR) unveiled guidance related to sales tax treatment of computers and computer peripherals.

Jan 21, 2021

Governor Selects Adam Steen to Lead DAS

Last week, Gov. Reynolds announced she has chosen Adam Steen to head the Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

Jan 21, 2021

Federal Spotlight: New Opportunity to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has reopened and is now available for applicants to apply for forgivable loans.

Jan 21, 2021

Opportunity to Serve on State Boards/Commissions

Each year, the governor seeks to fill several positions on state boards and commissions.

Jan 14, 2021

First Week of the 2021 Legislative Session is In the Books

Lawmakers completed their first week of business in Des Moines.

Jan 14, 2021

Latest COVID-19 Vaccine News Update

On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that due to a shortage of supply in COVID-19 vaccines, the agency will be narrowing the list of Iowans eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1B.

Jan 14, 2021

DOR Seeks Volunteers for Modernization Focus Groups

The DOR is currently in the process of modernizing its tax and license administration system.

Jan 14, 2021

Budget Director Roederer Retiring at the End of January

On Thursday, Iowa Department of Management (DOM) Director Dave Roederer announced he will retire from his post effective at the end of this month. 

Jan 14, 2021

Senate District 41 Candidates Selected; Election in Less Than Two Weeks

Both Republicans and Democrats have nominated their respective candidates to fill the seat left vacant by former State Sen. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Ottumwa) after she was provisionally seated in Congress last week.

Jan 14, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Biden Chooses Labor, Commerce and SBA Nominees

President-elect Joe Biden continues to roll out his nominees for cabinet-level and senior-level government posts. 

Jan 7, 2021

2021 Legislative Session Kicks Off on Monday; Register for Legislative Update; ABI Legislative Reception Postponed, Virtual Briefing Taking Place on Wednesday

The 89th Iowa General Assembly will convene next week as lawmakers from across the state will gather in Des Moines to develop policy and set the budget for the coming fiscal year.

Jan 7, 2021

IEDA/IDPH Hosting COVID-19 Vaccine Information Webinar for Businesses Tomorrow

The Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Department of Public Health will host a COVID-19 vaccine information webinar for business and industry tomorrow afternoon.

Jan 7, 2021

Davis to Speak at Business Record 2021 Legislative Session Event

ABI Vice President of Public Policy JD Davis will preview key issues the business community will be facing during the 2021 legislative session on a virtual panel Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jan 7, 2021

Treasury and IRS Announce PPP Expenses Now Deductible

Jan 7, 2021

Miller-Meeks Provisionally Seated in Congress; Special Election Date Set

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks was provisionally seated alongside the rest of her colleagues as Democrat Rita Hart continues to contest the certified election results of the 2nd Congressional District race before the U.S. House Committee on Administration.

Jan 7, 2021

Air Quality Bureau Seeking No Fee Increase for FY22

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau held its annual fee advisory group meetings yesterday and announced that it will not increase fees on industry for the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021.

Jan 7, 2021

Federal Spotlight: One Party Control in Washington, Democrats Win Both Georgia Senate Races

On Tuesday, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock defeated incumbent Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in what became the most expensive Congressional races in history.