Partnership Unveils 2021 Legislative Priorities

On Thursday, December 10, more than 150 attendees joined via Zoom to celebrate the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s 2020 legislative successes and unveil the 2021 featured priorities. The event also included a Q&A session with four legislative leaders — Senator Dan Dawson, Senator Zach Wahls, Representative Pat Grassley and Representative Jennifer Konfrst — moderated by 2020 Partnership Board Chair Tom Mahoney and Senior VP of Government Relations and Public Policy Andrea Woodard and myself.

As the 2020 Government Policy Council (GPC) Chair, I had the privilege to lead the Government Policy Council in drafting the 2021 State Agenda along with consideration from The Partnership’s Members and Investors. This agenda will be important when the 89th General Assembly begins on Monday, January 11, 2021. The Partnership will focus on the following priorities — all with a goal to support inclusive economic recovery following the events of 2020:

Broadband

The Partnership supports policies that aim to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to affordable broadband in both rural and urban areas of the state through private investment, supporting education, small business, health care, agriculture and the quickly changing workforce.

Invest in Iowa

The Partnership supports passage of the Invest in Iowa proposal, which would fund Iowa’s Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund (IWILL) and provide needed support for the mental health system in Iowa.

Child Care

The Partnership supports expanded access to affordable child care and policies that aid in that effort, including addressing the child care “cliff effect” and programs that support public-private partnerships to provide options to Iowa parents and guardians.

Justice Reform

The Partnership supports the recommendations of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform and further efforts to create an equitable environment for all Iowans.

Community Placemaking

The Partnership supports the creation of a large-scale investment program that aims to transform Iowa’s communities, main streets and local economies through creative placemaking and community development.

The Partnership Policy Team looks forward to working with the Governor, Iowa General Assembly and state agencies to accomplish mutually beneficial legislative goals and objectives for the economic betterment of the State of Iowa, particularly as we recover from the events of 2020.

As I wrap up as the 2020 GPC Chair, I look forward to passing the role to Matt Ahmann with Principal Financial Group who will serve as the 2021 Chair.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.