ABI Applauds Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Workforce Priorities

January 12, 2022 | MEDIA RELEASE: ABI Applauds Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Workforce Priorities

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), Iowa’s largest employer association with 1,500 members representing 330,000 employees, supports Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ bold vision to increase the number of Iowans in the state’s workforce. At a time when there are more jobs available than people unemployed in Iowa, ABI members appreciate the continued focus on innovative solutions to upskill current employees and get Iowans back to work. The latest ABI Quarterly Business Survey indicates half of our respondents expect the number of workers in their businesses to grow in the first quarter of 2022.

ABI Vice President of Public Policy JD Davis said in response to the Governor’s unemployment reform proposals, “It’s important to realize that to qualify for unemployment benefits, an Iowan has demonstrated they have a desire to be a member of the workforce through previous employment.”

“With a renewed focus on keeping Iowans connected to the workforce, ABI members agree that four months is adequate time for reemployment,” Davis continued.

ABI also supports the implementation of a separate reemployment division to achieve workforce recruitment and retention by connecting unemployed Iowans with job opportunities and additional tools for securing the next job. As ABI’s Quarterly Business Survey demonstrates, the jobs are available for Iowans who wish to work.

Beyond workforce, ABI’s legislative priorities also include infrastructure and regulatory reform.

Click here to learn more about ABI’s Legislative Priorities.

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