BW INSIGHTS

Government Relations Update - 10.15.21

By BrownWinick | 10.15.2021

October 15, 2021 REC SUMMARY The Revenue Estimating Conference (“REC”), comprised of a three-member panel (Kraig Paulsen, Holly Lyons, and David Underwood) met this morning (10/15/21) as part of their standard schedule of meetings to estimate future state revenues. A summary of the information discussed during the meeting is below, along with the... Read More

Iowa Court of Appeals Decision Serves as Cautionary Tale for Construction Contractors

By BrownWinick | 10.08.2021

The Iowa Court of Appeals issued a decision this week that sent a strong message to construction contractors – ignore your contracts at your own risk. Specifically, the Court stated, “Contracts mean what they say. Here, a party that failed to follow what a contract said in terms of the procedure to change the scope of the contract seeks to avoid... Read More

U.S. Department of Agriculture to Invest in Renewable Energy Infrastructure

By Haley Van Loon | 09.20.2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on September 9th that the Department will invest $464 million to improve the renewable energy infrastructure in 48 states and Puerto Rico. This program is designed to support rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses. The USDA intends to prioritize a... Read More

Government Relations Update - 9.15.21

By BrownWinick | 09.15.2021

MICHAEL BOUSSELOT WINS ANKENY SPECIAL ELECTION House District 37 will continue to be represented by a republican as Michael Bousselot defeated Andrea Phillips in yesterday’s special election. Bousselot, an attorney and former director of Iowa’s Department of Management, secured 51.58% of the vote. The democratic candidate Andrea Phillips received... Read More

An Update on Vaccine Incentives: Can Employers Raise Health Insurance Premiums for Unvaccinated Employees? 

By Danielle Smid | 09.13.2021

Last week, BrownWinick provided an update on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace, including anticipated requirements from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). It is expected that these requirements will apply only to certain larger employers, although the anticipated rule is still in its early... Read More

Company with 100+ Employees? Prepare for the Most Stringent Vaccine Requirements Yet.

By BrownWinick | 09.10.2021

On September 9, 2021, President Biden announced an updated national COVID-19 strategy that includes the most sweeping vaccine requirements to date. Of note, under the strategy, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) is developing a rule that will mandate all large employers to either: (1) require their... Read More

Government Relations Update - 9.10.21

By BrownWinick | 09.10.2021

Gov. Reynolds Deputy Chief of Staff to Join BrownWinick Des Moines, Iowa (September 10, 2021) – BrownWinick Law is pleased to announce the addition of Paige Thorson as a member to the firm. Thorson compliments the firm’s established government relations, insurance, health care, and energy and natural resources practices. Prior to joining... Read More

Vaccinations in the Workplace

By Danielle Smid | 08.12.2021

As the COVID-19 Delta variant spreads, many employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the health and safety of their workforce and have again begun looking toward additional safety measures to combat COVID-19 in the workplace. Such measures include but are not limited to mandatory vaccinations (showing proof of their vaccination status)... Read More

NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness ("NIL") Policy Brings Opportunities and Legal Challenges for College Athletes

By William Daniel | 07.26.2021

On July 1, the NCAA announced that college athletes can now benefit from their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”). This drastic shift in NCAA policy brings all sorts of previously unthinkable opportunities for college athletes; however, this new world also brings many areas of concern for athletes, particularly from a legal standpoint. Athletes who... Read More

BrownWinick Collects More Than 5,500 Diapers to Support Local Refugee Families

By BrownWinick | 07.26.2021

BrownWinick’s Community Engagement Committee recently held a diaper drive in collaboration with Bethany Christian Services in support of the Start Small Project in Des Moines. Start Small Project is a community effort to help fill a specific yet impactful need: diapers for refugee and immigrant families in the Des Moines area. Every single box of... Read More