2024 Public Policy Survey Reveals Valuable Insights from Local Business Leaders
In August, we distributed our annual public policy survey which received more than 100 total responses from our membership. The information we received will directly impact our legislative agenda and help our Business Advocacy Council tap into the needs of the Quad Cities business community. Below, you’ll find some of the highlights from the survey and the actions the Chamber is taking to address them. Survey responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 indicating that a particular issue is of the highest concern for businesses.
Taxes and Employment Costs Top-of-Mind for Local Businesses
Health insurance was far and away the number one cost concern for businesses, with an average level of concern at 4.38 out of 5. After health insurance, we focused on issues with a score of 3.5 out of 5 or the “70%” threshold. Federal and state income taxes, county property tax, paid time off mandates and workers' compensation rounded out the top five concerns across our membership.
Specifically in Illinois, concerns around workers' compensation and paid time off mandates were ranked the third and fourth most pressing concerns respectively. In Iowa, those concerns fell far lower, with only health insurance, federal income tax, and state income tax garnering a score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher.
Because of these concerns, the Quad Cities Chamber recently joined the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Employment Law Council to take a more active role in addressing this issue.
Importance of Quality of Place in Attracting and Retaining Workforce
When asked about the importance of investing in recreation, entertainment and cultural amenities as a strategy to retain the workforce, there was overwhelming consensus that this must be a priority from 89.3% of Illinois businesses to 95% of Iowa businesses who responded to the survey.
Based on this data, advocacy to create and sustain funding for such investments will be a priority moving forward.
Challenges Facing the Workforce
Promoting a welcoming environment for all (3.94/5) and promoting affordable childcare solutions (3.93/5) were the highest-scoring areas of focus for attracting and retaining the workforce. Childcare has become a leading concern with many working-age parents opting to remain home post-pandemic rather than re-enter the labor pool. More recently, concerns over the stability of the childcare industry are growing, leading to fears of additional labor loss due to inadequate or unaffordable care options.
As a bi-state region, we also see reciprocity of licensing across state lines as a top priority (3.7/5) for many employers who must juggle different rules and procedures for hiring the same job in different states.
Based on this information, you can expect a section on licensing reciprocity and child care to be present in our state and federal legislative agenda in 2024.
Housing and Transportation Issues
Beyond child care, we classify housing and transportation as persistent barriers to employment that prevent otherwise able employees from finding and keeping a job. When asked about the role of housing in attracting and retaining talent, more than 50% of employers cited a lack of housing as making recruitment and retention more difficult with an emphasis on apartments, affordable housing and intermediate/starter homes.
Similarly, when asked about transportation more than 50% of employers said they frequently or sometimes have issues with employees getting to and from work, with more than 10% of employers frequently having this issue.
We intend to make housing and transportation challenges a part of our local and state legislative agendas in 2024.
