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Legislative Session Recap

IOWA TAX REFORM TOP PRIORITY

As we headed into the 2022 Legislative Session, we were focused on tax reform, talent attraction and retention, and placemaking as our top policy priorities. All of these have been addressed this session, but I would be remiss if I did not start by recognizing the historic tax reform the Legislature passed and Governor Reynolds signed into law on March 1. Iowa’s corporate rate will incrementally drop to 5.5 percent. Personal income tax will incrementally decrease in subsequent years until it reaches 3.9 percent in TY2026. Corporate and individual income tax reductions of this magnitude make Iowa one of the most competitive states in the nation. Site selectors and businesses have already taken note.

Dan Dawson, Council Bluffs senator and chair of the senate ways and means committee, is working on a very important piece of legislation that will allow for the funding of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. The fund was approved by Iowa voters in 2010 but has yet to be funded since the sales tax has not been increased in that time. His proposal would fully fund the trust with 3/8-cent in sales tax revenue (around $250 million annually) and provide additional resources for quality of life and recreation projects, which have major impacts on talent attraction and retention. While it remains unknown if this proposal will pass this session, we appreciate the work Senator Dawson has done on it, and the attention it has drawn to the critical issue of quality of life and place investments.

Placemaking is being addressed in a major way with a $100 million grant program fittingly called, Destination Iowa. This appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act funds from Governor Reynolds can be used for one of four purposes: - Economically Significant Development - Outdoor Recreation - Tourism Attraction - Creative Placemaking

With placemaking being such a major issue throughout Iowa, this funding will directly impact our ability to attract and retain talent, as people want to live in vibrant communities with premier amenities and arts, culture, and entertainment options. Council Bluffs is excited and appreciative of the opportunity and looks forward to having these funds available as we work to grow employment and the community.

Other issues of significance the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor at the state Capitol include: - Tax increment financing - Renewable fuels - Port authorities - Aircraft sales tax exemption - Medical malpractice - Trucker tort reform - Unemployment reform

Port authorities, aircraft sales tax exemption and medical malpractice reforms are all worth noting separately, as they will all have a positive impact on Council Bluffs as a border community and allow us to more adequately compete —in the case of the aircraft sales tax exemption and medical malpractice — and partner, in the case of port authorities, with our friends across the river in Nebraska.

Advocacy is a staple of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and is a service we are proud to provide our members.

ELECTION LAWS

Providing our members timely and pertinent election information is a key role of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce.

As such, we are doing all we can to educate and prepare our members for the June 7 primary election and November 8 general election. One important piece of doing so is making members aware of the changes to Iowa’s election laws over the past few years, especially pertaining to absentee voting.

Those wishing to attain an absentee ballot for the June 7 primary election can do so as of March 29, with distribution of official ballots to requesting individuals starting May 18.

For the General Election on November 8, the first day to submit an absentee ballot request form is Tuesday, August 30, with ballots starting to be mailed on Wednesday, October 19.

The voter pre-registration deadline for the primary election is Monday, May 23, which is also the last day to have an absentee ballot mailed. For the November 8general election, the voter pre-registration deadline and the last day to request/mail an absentee ballot is Monday, October 24th.

Voters can register at their registered polling place the day of the election but must provide proof of identity and residency for their registered address.

Of course, voters wishing to vote in-person for the primary or general election may do so from 7am-8pm at their registered polling place. One item to note, however, is that voters will be required to show ID on Election Day prior to receiving and casting their ballot.

As of October 1, 2019, voters will have to provide their driver’s license, non-operator’s ID number, or their four-digit voter PIN when requesting an absentee ballot be mailed to them or when voting absentee at the Pottawattamie County courthouse.

The 2022 elections will determine leadership for key county, state, and federal offices, so do not hesitate to contact the CB Chamber at 712-325-1000 if you have any questions.

DREW KAMP, PRESIDENT AND CEO, COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

SAVE THESE dates:

APRIL 28: WOMEN INSPIRING WOMEN - HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Learn about the impact of human trafficking

MAY 19: CHAMBER MIXER

Opportunity to network with other chamber members

MAY 24: BENEFITS & BEVERAGES

Information event for anyone curious about the chamber.

Advocacy is a staple of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and is a service we are proud to provide our members and community.

-DREW KAMP, PRESIDENT AND CEO, COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Address: 149 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Contact Us: (712) 325-1000 | drew@councilbluffsiowa.com

Website: www.councilbluffsiowa.com

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