Chamber pushes priorities forward as Illinois unveils $200M site readiness investment

Illinois Deputy Governor for Economy and Budget Andy Manar visited the Quad Cities for a regional meeting to discuss several important local issues, including the historic $200 million economic development investment in Illinois as well as the Chicago-to-Quad Cities Passenger Rail Connection. In attendance at the regional meeting were Illinois Representative Gregg Johnson, Illinois Senator Mike Halpin, representatives from the Quad Cities Chamber, community leaders and state officials from Intersect Illinois and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). 

Core to the conversation was a discussion about the DCEO's newly allocated $200M for site readiness activities, and crafting those funds to meet the needs of Quad Cities communities. This represents a historic investment in Illinois economic development and comes on the heels of last year’s initial site readiness funding, which included a grant to the City of East Moline to study the potential of a large site near Interstates 80 and 88. This funding was one of the Chamber’s Featured Priorities for the past year that passed this session. 

Significant discussion included the importance of a Chicago-to-Quad Cities rail connection for the future success of the region. The rail project received significant discussion at the end of this year’s legislative session, led by Sen. Mike Halpin, in conjunction with the looming fiscal cliff for Chicago and downstate transit agencies. Though solutions did not pass by the end of session, there is a significant opportunity to deliver much needed funding for the project by the end of the year, and the Chamber is keeping a close eye on movement as we head towards veto session or a potential special summer session. 

“Partnership with DCEO, Intersect Illinois and the Deputy Governor’s office is key to moving our legislative priorities forward,” said Ryan Sempf, Executive Director of Government Affairs. “We are appreciative of them taking the time to visit the Quad Cities and look forward to working as part of Team Illinois to advance pro-growth policy solutions”.

Other important issues discussed were:

• Continued emphasis on high-quality, public four-year education 
• Housing assistance
• The need for additional new tools for economic development 

For those interested in staying in the loop on the Chamber’s priorities and taking action to support pro-business, pro-growth policy, consider signing up for our Advocacy Action Center.