Costello fails Iowa businesses

 Dear Editor:

Iowa businesses contribute greatly to the economic engine of our state. Main Street business owners take risks; they pay taxes and spend hard earned dollars to grow and improve. They also vote people into office who should go to bat for them. 

On any given day, the State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services website shows dozens of active Request for Proposals (RFP). Many Iowa companies are awarded the work, but just as many are not. Iowa companies that could provide hundreds of products, such as bread, beverages, software and office supplies, are edged out by out-of-state firms. One of the most interesting RFPs recently awarded was to a Florida firm for purchases of Iowa flags.  

That is why I sponsored Senate File 1. Under this bill, called “Iowa First,” an Iowa company can match the lowest out-of-state bid if the Iowa company comes within 5% or $10,000. This applies only to state-issued RFPs under $500,000 and not large public improvement agreements. 

The bill encourages out-of-state firms to bid low, saving taxpayer dollars. This bill encourages Iowa companies to match the bid, again saving taxpayer dollars while helping Iowa’s economy.

Unfortunately when the senate voted, your State Senator, Mark Costello, voted against putting Iowa businesses first. The conversation on the Senate floor was more about other states than our state. I reminded Senators that surrounding states South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin, already have preference law on the books. Some have low-bid-match language; others only give a vague definition of preference. 

Iowa legislators need to stand up for our small businesses and recognize their large contributions to our state. Let Senator Costello know what you think by contacting him through the Senate switchboard at 515-281-3371.

Sincerely, 

Senator Liz Mathis

District 34