Iowa’s rural communities depend on the transportation infrastructure for the efficient movement of products to market and inputs rural commerce.  Community Bankers  of Iowa, exclusively representing independent community banks across Iowa, supports the maintainance and improvement of Iowa’s rural lifelines.   While no one is in favor of unneeded tax burdens on Iowa, this is a case where the economic impact of inaction cannot be ignored.  The general membership approved a supporting resolution at the annual convention and board of directors of Community Bankers of Iowa has voted to support the recommendations of Governor Branstads committee to increase the money available for road and bridge improvements through appropriate legislative action.   Proposals are now coming forth to address this issue and members are encouraged to review them, consult with their legislators and support a solution to this important problem. 

Click here for Press Release Bipartisan Proposal

Click here for Press Release Elements of Legislation

Congressmen Dave Loebsack and Leonard Boswell have signed on to cosponsor HR 1697 introduced by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO). Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)introduced a companion community bank regulatory relief bill in the Senate entitled the Communities First Act (CFA), S. 1600. Both bills are designed to provide much-needed regulatory relief for community banks, their customers, and their communities. 

S. 1600 and H.R. 1697 are 100% pro-community bank.  They contain provisions designed to reduce the tax burden on community banks.  Other provisions address the regulatory, tax, and paperwork requirements disproportionately affecting community banks.  They also seek to narrow the competitive gap between community banks and tax-exempt credit unions and other nonbank institutions that offer comparable products and services, yet are not subject to the same laws and regulations.

Both Community Bankers of Iowa and the Iowa Bankers Association are supporting this bill. The CFA is extremely important to the continued ability of community banks to service their communities effectively. Now that the "ice is broken" please contact your Senators and Representative TODAY to urge their support and request cosponsorship of these important bills. ...

Click here to go to the CBI Legislative Center to send a communication to your representives.