Transportation, access to broadband, and workforce readiness were the main topics this week for the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, during its annual lobby trip to Des Moines.
President and ceo, Tara Barney, says their goal each year is to tell legislators about the chamber's priorities, and find out how it can help get them approved. To repair Iowa's aging roads and bridges, the chamber supports raising the gas tax.
For example, Alcoa says double the number of trucks are now leaving the plant in Riverdale every day - Barney says that's good for the economy, but it also means double the impact on our roads.
Barney, says their goal for broadband is to make sure it's un-interrupted, high capacity, and available at a reasonable cost.
Each year, the chamber sponsors 3 lobby trips - to Des Moines, Springfield, and Washington DC.
