Building Iowa CPA advocacy before the next legislative session
October 05, 2026
By ISCPA CEO Carrie Steffen
The most effective time to explain the CPA profession to a legislator is before a proposal puts it at risk. That message emerged from the ISCPA Legislation Committee meeting, where election analysis and a national regulatory update pointed to the same need: stronger relationships, earlier education and broader member participation ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
ISCPA’s legislative counsel Brad Epperly’s election briefing explored voter registration, turnout, competitive districts and the potential effect of the governor’s race on the next session. His outlook anticipated continued Republican majorities in both legislative chambers, while recognizing opportunities for Democratic gains in some districts. Those observations were a forecast, not an election result. Whatever the outcome, ISCPA will need productive relationships with policymakers across party lines.
The national update reinforced why that work cannot wait. Broad occupational licensing proposals can include CPAs unintentionally. A lawmaker may see an opportunity to reduce red tape without realizing how a change could affect professional accountability or interstate practice. When the profession enters the conversation early, it has more opportunity to explain those consequences and help develop practical alternatives.
A proactive strategy begins with a clear purpose. For Iowa CPAs, the message should connect sound professional standards to reliable financial information, healthy businesses and responsible stewardship of public dollars. Policymakers need to hear what those standards make possible in their communities. They also need evidence that the profession is willing to modernize and address unnecessary barriers.
The committee heard examples of that work already underway. ISCPA’s advocacy on an additional licensure pathway and potentially harmful peer review changes provides a starting point for explaining how access, quality and mobility can be considered together. Members can strengthen that explanation with examples of the businesses, employers and communities affected by accounting policy.
Relationships make those examples more useful. A legislator who already knows a local CPA has someone to call when an accounting question arises. That familiarity can open a conversation before positions harden. It also makes advocacy more manageable for members: you are offering professional knowledge and a local perspective, rather than trying to master every issue at the Capitol.
Start by contacting ISCPA and identifying the lawmakers you know or would be willing to meet. Ask which issues need member input and what background materials are available. Consider a brief introductory conversation with your state representative and senator. Explain where you work, whom you serve and how accounting decisions affect their district.
After the election, help build relationships with newly elected officials and those serving on relevant committees. Offer a concrete example, ask what questions they have and follow up with useful information. Within your firm or organization, encourage colleagues to read legislative updates and make time for advocacy when a timely response is needed.
The goal is a sustained connection between professional expertise and public policy. One conversation will not resolve every challenge, but a network of engaged Iowa CPAs can help ISCPA identify concerns sooner and present credible solutions. Choose one relationship to develop now. The next legislative session will be more productive if policymakers already know whom to call.