2024 Legislative Issue

Your engagement matters
The Iowa Grocery Industry
Association (IGIA) has a long
history of leadership at the
statehouse. Over many decades,
our members and advocates have
engaged in the political process
to advance and defend against
issues that impact the grocery and
convenience industry in the state.
As this year’s IGIA Government Relations
Committee chair, I’m honored to continue
this tradition of leadership at the Capitol.
In preparation for the legislative session,
the committee began reviewing and
discussing potential issues of importance
midway through 2023. Following a
tried-and-true process, we incorporated
member feedback and instruction into
our positioning, and then advanced a set
of policy recommendations to the entire
IGIA board of directors for approval.
This proactive approach has resulted in a
cohesive focus on three key areas –
tax issues, labor issues and organized
retail crime. More specifically, our
highest priorities will be an interchange
fee reform education campaign and
advancing solutions to prevent and
deter organized retail crime. You can
expect the association, our staff and our
lobbyists to take a lead role on these
two specific issues, while we intend to
lend our support on the remainder of
the priorities outlined on Page 23.
We believe making progress in these
focus areas will help ensure our entire
industry can operate more efficiently
while reducing undue burden, attract
and retain workforce, and foster a
positive business environment.
RAISING YOUR VOICE
I invite all IGIA members to get involved
in the legislative process. The entire
Government Relations committee
welcomes your feedback on the issues
we’re advancing and watching this session.
We want to hear your perspective and have
an open dialogue about IGIA’s positions –
after all, an ongoing transparent
conversation among our membership is
key to creating a united, cohesive force
for our industry at the statehouse.
In addition to your involvement with the
association’s legislative priorities, I also
encourage you to exercise grassroots
advocacy and call upon your legislators
directly. You have an important perspective
to share with them that can impact our
industry and communities for the better.
With swipe fees negatively impacting Main
Street and the consumer, lawmakers need
to hear directly from their local trusted
source on the chilling effect these fees
have on our economy and communities.
Remember, you know your business,
your employees, your customers and
your community best. Your firsthand
account of what is working well and what
isn’t working is incredibly important to
share with local and state policymakers.
Even one conversation can make an
impact – never doubt the voice and
influence you have in the political
process. As we continue to advance
our priorities, I hope you’ll be open to
hearing from us on key officials that
need to hear from you. Local matters
and as a constituent, you are in the best
position to deliver these messages.
SUPPORTING GROPAC
Another way you can help strengthen
our industry’s voice at the Capitol is by
supporting our political action committee,
GroPAC. This fund directly helps IGIA
develop relationships with lawmakers
in Iowa and supports candidates who
understand the importance of the
grocery and c-store industries. Only
personal contributions are allowed, and
all donations are voluntary. You can learn
more about supporting GroPAC on
Page 26 or by calling the IGIA office directly.
No matter how you choose to raise your
voice and get involved in the political
process this session, know that we
appreciate your dedication to our industry.
Your engagement makes a difference for
our association today and in the future.
Sincerely,
Anne Roth,
IGIA Government Relations
Committee Chair, Assistant Vice
President, Government Relations,
Hy-Vee, Inc.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUE 2024 | 21