The 2016 Iowa General Assembly is off and running. Here's what this legislative session could mean for your small business.
The 2016 Iowa General Assembly is off and running. The House Iowa welcomed its very first female Speaker of the House swearing in Rep. Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake). She replaces Rep. Kraig Paulsen (R-Cedar Rapids). Speaker Upmeyer’s remarks focused on passing a sustainable budget, support funding for education and pursue opportunities that increase opportunities for Iowa. House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) discussed goals of setting school funding early in the session and continuing to grow Iowa’s skilled workforce. For full remarks, click here.
In her opening day remarks Senate President Pam Jochum (D-Dubuque) highlighted Medicaid privatization and an increased minimum wage. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) focused his remarks on the skills gap and the importance of investing in workforce programs. Sen. Gronstal also spoke about Medicaid and the closures of the mental health institute. Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock) focused his remarks on making sound budget decisions and encouraging the Legislature to have a discussion on education funding. For full remarks of all Senate leaders, click here.
Gov. Terry Branstad on Tuesday delivered his Condition of the State address to a joint session of the Iowa Legislature. In his remarks, Gov. Branstad highlighted increased funding for education, released his plan for dedicated school infrastructure and water quality funding, and highlighted Iowa’s renewable energy efforts. He also mentioned addressing Iowa’s skills gap through the Future Ready Iowa Initiative. The Governor’s agenda can be found here and his budget proposal is here.
Mark your calendars now for our Iowa Business Day on the hill! This year we will again be partnering with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and are putting together a great two day program starting on Monday, March 14 through Tuesday, March 15th.
As the state director for Iowa, I look forward to representing the interests of our members by advocating for or against legislation that affects your ability to own and operate your business. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 515-249-1414 if you have any questions or concerns about this legislative session.
Kristen Failor
State Director
NFIB/Iowa
