We will sit down with business leaders to learn what issues they are focusing on with the Legislature convening on Jan. 9. We will discuss the state’s ongoing workforce shortage, the ongoing child care challenge and economic development programs. We will also discuss efforts to improve access to mental health services, housing and ongoing efforts to reform the state’s income tax structure and possible efforts to speed reductions started in 2022 or increase those cuts.

Among the questions we plan to tackle:

• What is the top business issue lawmakers need to address in 2024?
• What can the state do to attract and retain top talent in Iowa?
• What can the state do to continue its efforts to improve access to child care in Iowa, as well as help providers attract and retain the workforce?
• What would the business community like to see lawmakers do to increase the state’s supply of employees or affordable housing?
• What do business leaders want to see as far as improving access to mental health services in Iowa?

Panelists:

• JD Davis, vice president of public policy, Iowa Association of Business and Industry
• ​Joe Murphy, president,Iowa Business Council
• Dustin Miller, executive director, Iowa Chamber Alliance
• Mollie Ross, Vice president of operations, Technology Association of Iowa
• ​Dave Stone, advocacy officer, United Way of Central Iowa
• Andrea Woodard, senior vice president of government relations and public policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership