NFIB, or the National Federation of Independent Business here in Iowa, applauds the Iowa Senate for passing important legislation that would help fill tens of thousands of open jobs around the state. Last night, the Senate passed HF 2355, which addresses workforce issues in Iowa. Today, NFIB is hoping the House will take immediate action and pass HF 2355 as is and send this important small business bill to the Governor for her signature.

“Unemployment insurance reform is one of the top concerns for small business owners throughout the state,” said Matt Everson, NIFB State Director in Iowa. “Our members have made it clear: they need workers and there is legislation that can be passed today that will help address these workforce issues. We applaud the governor and her leadership on this issue and thank the Senate for passing a strong unemployment insurance reform bill that will help Iowa’s economy prosper far into the future.”

According to NFIB’s 21^st Small Business Covid-19 Survey which was released in last month (January 2022):

• Most small business owners reported that their local economy remains below pre-crisis levels of economic activity.
• 27% believe it will be the second half of 2022 before economic conditions return to pre-crisis levels.
• 39% of small business owners are less optimistic and expect conditions not to fully improve until 2023 or later.
• When asked if supply chain disruptions are impacting their business, about half (47%) of small business owners reported a significant impact, basically unchanged from early September.
• The labor shortage is the other significant challenge facing many small employers. 23% of small employers are currently experiencing a significant staffing shortage and another 20% are currently experiencing a moderate staffing shortage.