The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce wants a lot from Santa Claus for 2017. Its public policy and advocacylist includes a budget from Illinois, corporate tax reform from Iowa, money for building infrastructure from the federal government, and much more.
Michelle O'Neill reports on the chamber's legislative priorities.
Summary
Jason Gordon is the chamber's Vice President of Public Affairs. He says in many ways, local businesses need the state and federal governments to clear the way for success. For example, Iowa enacted a ten-cent tax on gas. And Illinois voters approved a measure to spend fuel tax revenue and other fees exclusively on transportation projects.
Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Tara Barney, says another top priority is for Iowa to simplify its corporate tax code. She also says favorable free trade policies are essential for Quad Cities' companies to compete globally.
As in past years, a big priority is long-term and dedicated funding for education in both Illinois and Iowa. Barney says a lack of funding for higher education is already hurting efforts to develop a well-trained workforce.
