2023 State Legislative Priorities

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, more than 125 attendees joined the Greater Des Moines Partnership at Hotel Fort Des Moines for The Partnership's State Legislative Leadership Breakfast. We heard from Jay Byers, President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Rowena Crosbie, President of Tero International and Greater Des Moines Partnership 2022 Board Chair, and Andrea Woodard, The Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. I had the privilege of moderating a Q&A session with legislative leaders: Senate President Pro Tempore Brad Zaun, Senate Minority Whip Sarah Trone Garriott, State House Representative Carter Nordman and House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst. 

As the 2022 Government Policy Council (GPC) chair, I had the opportunity to help lead Partnership Investors and Members who make up GPC in the drafting of the 2023 State Agenda. This agenda will guide the work of The Partnership when the 90th General Assembly begins on Monday, Jan. 9. Throughout the session, The Partnership will focus on the following priorities: 

Workforce Readiness  

Talent remains the top issue identified by Greater Des Moines Partnership Investors and Members. The Partnership supports state-led programs and policies, including Future Ready Iowa, that provide work-based learning opportunities for students and build Iowa’s talent pipeline. In addition, The Partnership believes talent recruitment and retention initiatives are key to growing Iowa’s workforce, including policies that ensure that Iowa continues to be a welcoming place that is open for business.   

Regulatory Reform  

The Partnership believes that state government plays an important role in setting the stage for business competitiveness, small business growth and employment-generating investment by the private sector to promote economic growth, which is achieved by creating an environment conducive to business success. Therefore, The Partnership supports policies and efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory hurdles for an efficient and effective government that promotes economic growth and job creation while minimizing the impacts of government actions on small businesses.   

Child Care  

Access to affordable and quality child care remains a need for many Iowans. The Partnership supports additional creative approaches that increase child care options for families, promote stabilization in the child care workforce and engage business in the process. Read about 2022 child care updates here. 

Housing  

The Partnership supports the increase of workforce housing options through funding and policies, such as an increase in the Workforce Housing Tax Credit, the State Housing Trust Fund and additional incentives for communities and employers to invest in new and existing housing for all Iowans. 

Placemaking  

The Partnership supports the existing and continued state investment in large-scale, regional and transformational projects through programs such as Destination Iowa and Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Large investments in public-private partnership driven projects such as ICON Water Trails and the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza further the goal to attract and retain talent while transforming Iowa’s communities, main streets and local economies. Read about the latest placemaking projects in Byers’ recent blog post here. 

Des Moines International Airport Project  

Expansion of the Des Moines International Airport is critical to the state’s economic growth and necessary for a safe and smooth traveling experience for business and commercial passengers. The Partnership supports the existing and ongoing state investment in the project and any ongoing opportunities to further showcase the need to complete the terminal project in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Read the latest on the project and listen to the DSM USA Policy HQ podcast episode here. 

The Partnership Policy Team looks forward to working with the Governor, Iowa General Assembly and state agencies to accomplish mutually beneficial legislative goals and objectives for the economic betterment of the State of Iowa. 

As I wrap up as the 2022 GPC chair, I look forward to passing the gavel to Robert Haus with Corteva Agriscience, who will serve as the 2023 chair. I have full faith in Robert to advance The Partnership’s goals in 2023 and beyond. 

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.