3M Day

3M-company representatives will be arriving Tuesday afternoon to meet with the legislative leaders, as well as the legislators from their own districts, to discuss issues important to 3M.

3M has three locations in Iowa: manufacturing centers in Ames and Knoxville, and 3M's largest domestic distribution center in Forest City. In all, 3M employs 1,100 Iowans across the state, has a payroll of $57.7 million, pays $1.3 in state and local taxes, and has made over a half a million in charitable contributions.
Remarkably, throughout the economic climate of the couple of years, 3M has been able to avoid layoffs, and has actually hired a few new people.

The main issue 3M will be discussing with legislators is the green cleaning products initiative for Iowa's schools.

An amended version of House File 823 passed in the House last night. The amendment changed the bill to encourage public schools, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, community colleges, and state agencies to use environmentally-friendly cleaning products for two years. Many state buildings already use green cleaning products, and proudly announce it with a sticker displayed in the doorways (see picture above).

Beginning July 1, 2012, these buildings will have to be cleaned with green cleaning products unless the board of directors of the school district, or a president of a community college or regent institution votes to opt out of the requirement - for any reason. This is different from the previous version which allowed schools to opt out of using green cleaning products if their use would result in an increased cost.

When its all said and done, this bill is not a burden, but a good thing for teachers, kids, and the janitorial staff who are subjected to toxic of cleaning products everyday. The State Capitol is cleaned with green cleaning products, why not schools?