Get Engaged at the Legislative Preview Meetings

The November Legislative Preview meeting dates have been scheduled in nine locations around Iowa. Each year hundreds of Iowa bankers and legislators attend these meetings to discuss key issues the state will be dealing with in the upcoming state legislative session which begins January 7, 2008.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet with our legislators close to home and develop stronger relationships while educating them and our banking staff about the issues our industry feels needs to be addressed,” said IBA chairman Jim Schipper.

Schipper said the Association plans to place a great deal of emphasis on economic development and discuss issues that are preventing Iowa communities from moving forward. “We’ll talk about everything from the structure of our local governments, to commercial property tax burden, and get your thoughts about what you feel your communities most need to grow and prosper,” said Schipper.

Additionally there are a number of banking specific issues the Association wants bankers and legislators to be familiar with prior to the start of the session. Schipper said every year the Association sees a number of issues introduced by Legislators that are well intentioned but simply place additional burden on the industry without creating benefit for the public. “We need to communicate effectively about why any proposed changes in mortgage regulations must be directed at the unregulated mortgage community, why a proposal to increase the consumer credit code jurisdictional limit to $75,000 is not in the best interest of consumers, and why they should consider extending data security beyond the banking industry.” These and a number of other industry specific issues will be discussed by IBA leadership and staff during the meetings. To preview the 2008 Legislative Issues Summary prior to the meeting go to www.iowabankers.com. A hard copy of the issues booklet will also be provided at the meetings.
 
“We can hire lobbyists to keep us informed on what the Legislature is up to and represent us at the Capitol, but without a doubt, the very best lobbyists for our industry is each one of us,” said Schipper. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of meeting with bankers and legislators from all over the state and delivering our industry’s message.”

Meetings will be held November 5, November 7, November 8, November 13, November 14, November 15 and November 20. Contact the IBA’s Sharon Presnall at 800.532.1423 or email spresnall@iowabankers.com with additional questions.

Members of the legislative committee met on October 17 to discuss upcoming issues as well as the legislative preview meetings. Bankers are encouraged to participate in the meetings to be held around the state during the month of November.

2008 Legislative Preview Meetings

Monday, Nov. 5
Group 6
Iowa Bankers Association
Johnston

Wednesday, Nov. 7
Group 11
Catfish Bend Casino
Burlington
Group 5
Red Coach Inn
Red Oak

Thursday, Nov. 8
Group 8
Holiday Inn Conference Center
Coralville

Tuesday, Nov. 13
Group 7
Elmwood Country Club
Marshalltown

Wednesday, Nov. 14
Group 2
Cellar Restaurant
Fort Dodge
Group 3
Holiday Inn
Mason City

Thursday, Nov. 15
Group 4
Cedar Lodge Steakhouse
Manchester

Tuesday, Nov. 20
Groups 1 & 12
Western Iowa Tech
Cherokee