Government Affairs Update

What we're watching this week:

• An Iowa bill, SF 167, is a re-write of Iowa's child labor laws that are currently being proposed in the Iowa legislature. The bill would update the duties that can be performed, expand the allowable hours of work and expand school driving permits to include places of employment for kids aged 14-16.
• On the labor side, SF 167 currently allows underaged kids to work in mines and assembly lines, which has caused some legislators to voice opposition to the bill. This language of concern will likely be revised as the bill moves forward.
• Also recently introduced in the Iowa legislature is SF 306, a bill that would allow port authorities to enter into certain loan agreements and lease contracts.
• In Illinois, Gov. Pritzker held his State of the State address along with his budget plan last week. During the address, Pritzker proposed a new multi-year plan called 'Smart Start' that aims to expand childcare services. The plan would add 5,000 preschool spots for Illinois children during the upcoming school year, and 20,000 spots after four years in place. Additionally, the plan would allocate $100 million of new capital to double the Rebuild Illinois investment already helping childcare providers build new and expand existing facilities. 
• We invite you to join us on Friday, Feb. 24 at Vibrant Arena at The Mark when we’ll have a chance to speak with Illinois State Senators Neil Anderson, Mike Halpin and Win Stoller.
• Lastly, don’t forget to check out our Bill Tracker, where you can get the scoop on legislation we're currently following for businesses in the QC region.