The Iowa Business Council’s legislative agenda this year focuses on building talent, strengthening the economy, and boosting and diversifying Iowa’s population.

“Our members are committed to elevating Iowa’s long-term economic vitality. We believe our outlined legislative policy priorities will support our work to foster growth throughout Iowa,” said Executive Director Georgia Van Gundy. 

Specifically, the organization wants lawmakers to:

• Continue the implementation of the state’s Future Ready Iowa initiative, including funding the Last Dollar Scholarship and Employer Innovation Fund.
• Provide more financing for workforce housing, including an increased investment in the State Housing Trust Fund and Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs.
• Review Iowa’s tax code to look for actions that would continue to improve Iowa’s competitiveness following last year’s tax overhaul.

Members of the council include Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Vermeer Corp., the Iowa Bankers Association, Alliant Energy, Casey’s General Stores Inc., Collins Aerospace, Corteva Agriscience, Deere & Co., Fareway, FBL Financial Group Inc., HNI Corp., Hy-Vee Inc., Kent Corp., Mercy Health Network, Meredith Corp., MidAmerican Energy Co., Pella Corp., Principal, the Weitz Co., University of Iowa Health Care, UnityPoint Health, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, and Wells Enterprises Inc. 

The group also has named its board leadership for next year. Mary Andringa, Vermeer Corp. chairwoman, will lead the board. Casey’s President and CEO Terry Handley will be vice chairman. John Sorensen, president of the Iowa Bankers Association, continues as treasurer. Van Gundy will remain board secretary.