Iowa Senate Bill SSB1211

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

A bill for an act making appropriations to the economic development authority, the Iowa finance authority, the public employment relations board, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents and certain regents institutions, and providing for properly related matters.(See SF 559.)

Impact

The bill sets out explicit goals for the economic development authority, which include promoting economic growth throughout the state, collaborating with businesses and communities, and preparing infrastructure for development. Furthermore, SSB1211 emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial development and seeks to establish public-private partnerships to support tourism and marketing efforts. By allocating appropriations that extend into areas like workforce recruitment and support for institutions, the bill aims to create a competitive environment conducive to business growth and community development.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1211 (SSB1211) is an appropriations bill designed to allocate funds for various economic development programs within the state of Iowa. Specifically, it makes provisions for the economic development authority, Iowa finance authority, public employment relations board, department of workforce development, and certain regents institutions. The legislation aims to stimulate the state economy, enhance the wealth of Iowans, and also work towards increasing the state’s population through focused programs and activities that foster commercially viable products and services.

Contention

One significant aspect of contention surrounding SSB1211 is its focus on ensuring that jobs created with state-funded assistance are filled by U.S. citizens or authorized workers. This raises ongoing debates regarding immigration and employment laws within the context of economic assistance. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the effectiveness of such funding allocations, particularly in light of performance metrics that the economic development authority is expected to report back to the legislature annually. Critics may question whether the funds will effectively lead to the intended outcomes in job creation and economic enhancement.

Fiscal_year

The appropriations under SSB1211 span the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, signifying a strategic financial commitment to these developmental goals within Iowa. By authorizing the retention of unspent funds until the close of the succeeding fiscal year, the bill allows flexibility in financial planning for agencies involved, potentially ensuring more sustained impacts of the allocated funds.