Government Affairs

• Understanding Property Taxes in Iowa: A Simplified Overview

  posted on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Property taxes in Iowa play a significant role in the financial health of property owners, local governments, and communities. Recent changes in property values, legislative actions, and tax rates have highlighted the complexities of the system and its impact on stakeholders. With property assessments rising significantly since 2021, and new laws limiting local government revenue, understanding how these changes interact is essential.

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  Friday Forum November 2024

  posted on Friday, November 1, 2024 in Government Affairs

  The November Friday Forum, featuring Dr. Chris Larimer from UNI, gave attendees insights into understanding election outcomes ahead of Tuesday's vote. Dr. Larimer discussed polling accuracy, the impact of growing partisanship on straight-ticket voting, and Iowa's unique competitiveness in congressional elections.

• Hear from the Candidates: Iowa House of Representatives

  posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Advocacy is a central part of Grow Cedar Valley's mission to support economic development in the region. As part of these efforts, we reached out to Iowa House of Representatives to understand their perspectives on key economic issues impacting the Cedar Valley.  Grow Cedar Valley received a joint response from Iowa House Representatives Bob Kressig (District 75), Jerome Amos Jr. (District 62), and Timi Brown-Powers (District 61).

• Hear from the Candidates: Iowa State Senator for District 38

  posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Advocacy is a central part of Grow Cedar Valley's mission to support economic development in the region. As part of these efforts, we reached out to Iowa Senate candidates to understand their perspectives on key economic issues impacting the Cedar Valley. Below, we've provided their unedited responses side by side.

• Hear from the Candidates: Iowa's Second Congressional District

  posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Advocacy is a central part of Grow Cedar Valley's mission to support economic development in the region. As part of these efforts, we reached out to Iowa Congressional candidates to understand their perspectives on key economic issues impacting the Cedar Valley. Below, we've provided their unedited responses side by side.

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  From the Capitol with Steve Firman - May 9, 2023

  posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 in Government Affairs

  The Iowa Legislature adjourned the First Session of the 90th General Assembly on May 4th, one week past the scheduled 110 days. Governor Reynolds and leadership in both the House and Senate worked together in the final weeks to reach a compromise on key policy issues including the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, property tax reform, and youth employment regulations.

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  From the Capitol with Steve Firman - April 18, 2023

  posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Government Affairs

  Movement at the Capitol slowed considerably last week with the Senate holding no floor debate and both chambers holding very few subcommittee and committee meetings. One bill of significance that we have followed throughout the session changing child labor laws passed the Senate at 4:52 am Tuesday morning.

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  From the Capitol with Steve Firman - April 4, 2023

  posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 in Government Affairs

  The number one legislative policy priority for Grow Cedar Valley is talent attraction, recruitment and retention. We have been closely watching proposed legislation that deals with issues and ideas that could potentially help in attracting and retaining workforce. The main areas we have been tracking are childcare, housing, placemaking, and workforce readiness.

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  From the Capitol with Steve Firman - March 21, 2023

  posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Government Affairs

  The number one legislative policy priority for Grow Cedar Valley is talent attraction, recruitment and retention. We have been closely watching proposed legislation that deals with issues and ideas that could potentially help in attracting and retaining workforce. The main areas we have been tracking are childcare, housing, placemaking, and workforce readiness.

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  From the Capitol with Steve Firman - March 6, 2023

  posted on Monday, March 6, 2023 in Government Affairs

  First Funnel is now behind us. The beginning step in the Legislature's self-imposed system of winnowing the upwards of 1500 bills introduced in the first eight weeks of the session has now passed. It seems that more bills made it through this first narrowing than usual, but now they face passage in one Chamber and passage through a full committee in the other prior to the second funnel on March 31.