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2014 State Legislative Agenda Announced

December 4, 2013

Senate President Pam Jochum (D) and Senate Republican Whip Rick Bertrand (R) joined Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen (R) and Assistant Democratic Leader Ako Abdul-Samad (D) to participate in a panel discussion previewing the upcoming legislative session.

The Partnership's Legislative Agenda includes a list of featured priorities that will drive the Partnership's state public policy efforts in 2014.

The Partnership's Featured Priorities

  • The Partnership supports state investment in key research and development projects within the Ames Des Moines Bioscience Corridor, including high priority projects at Iowa State University.
  • The Partnership supports giving businesses and individuals the option of either retaining the ability to deduct federal income taxes or choosing to forego federal deductibility in exchange for a significantly reduced state income tax. 
  • The Partnership supports implementing and continuously improving the Iowa Core Curriculum to establish state level 21st century learning standards and comprehensive student achievement assessments aligned to globally competitive critical learning skills.  
  • The Partnership supports programs that will encourage more students to enter STEM related fields and businesses to provide additional internships to these students. 
  • The Partnership supports increased funding to further develop and maintain our transportation infrastructure. 
  • The Partnership supports efforts to revitalize and improve the State Historical Building of Iowa and the addition of a Capital Visitors Center. 
  • The Partnership supports the creation of a public private partnership to develop a "one stop shop" to assist veterans with their employment and education needs and integration into the community.

"The Partnership believes that state government plays an important role in setting the stage for business competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and employment-generating investment by the private sector," said Georgia Van Gundy of The Principal Financial Group and 2013 Partnership Government Policy Council Chair.  "Last session was a very productive one for the Partnership and we look forward to working with the Governor and the Iowa General Assembly to move Iowa's economy and communities forward."

The Partnership's full Legislative Agenda is available. A published copy of the agenda is available upon request.  For more information, contact the Greater Des Moines Partnership at (515) 286-4950. Media inquiries should be directed to Susan Ramsey at (515) 286-4954 or sramsey@DSMpartnership.com.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.