DSM USA Policy HQ - Final 2021 Episode

As outgoing chair, Ahmann said he sees workforce as an ongoing issue for the state of Iowa, and something that will continue being discussed going into 2022. Kelley, as incoming chair, said that in 2022 reconnecting with workforce and attracting and retaining employees is a top priority. 

Events

Kelley said the roundtable event with Senator Ernst was a successful recent policy event and one of her favorites of the year. In 2022, DMDC is an event she is looking forward to attend after being delayed due to the pandemic.  

In the News 

Ahmann, from a policy perspective, has been struck by how national discourse drives the debate locally. Did the pandemic drive those national issues to become Iowa issues, or is this something that should be expected in the future? In terms of looking ahead, this can complicate things for the business community. Kelley touched on how federal bills are bringing in such large money to the states that the states have to act, to which Ahmann said the state has to figure out how to navigate spending those funds while keeping long-term goals in mind.  

Predictions for 2022

Kelley said in 2022 she predicts a tax overhaul in Iowa’s legislature, as well as consideration to which tax credits may be reduced or changed. On the federal level, she said if democrats don’t rebrand, republicans will be situated well to take back the house and senate. Ahmann said it’s difficult to predict what will be the hot-ticket issues in the fall of 2022.