ABI advocates for private sector jobs

June 18, 2015

ABI’s policy team works tirelessly to defend ABI members and the Iowans they employ through legislative and regulatory advocacy work. Currently, ABI is working to bring to light an expansion of Iowa Prison Industries (IPI). IPI proposed an administrative rule to allow the agency to sell directly to private contractors when the products and services will be used for a public entity. Not only is this expansion not outlined in Iowa law, the language as originally drafted was so broad anyone could meet the definition of a contractor. ABI staff has attended multiple meetings and asked for the provision to be removed. Changes have been made to reflect that this government expansion will only apply to construction projects. The change advocated for by ABI is a major improvement over the original proposal, although it is disappointing to see IPI make policy decisions that should be left to the Legislature.