Chamber travels to Iowa Capitol to advocate for pro-business, pro-growth policies

The Quad Cities Chamber braved the weather and traveled to Des Moines this week with over 20 member businesses and community leaders to advocate for pro-business, pro-growth policies. 

Chamber members advocated for a broad range of issues, including forthcoming legislation to reorient the State’s economic development incentives – one of the Chamber’s featured priorities aligning with our 2025 Legislative Agenda. We believe much of the proposed legislation is positive for Iowa companies and new corporate investment, but we are monitoring specific provisions related to project-based tax abatement, the research activities credit and new incentives for sustainable aviation fuel. The group also discussed the need for land redevelopment trusts to help address blight and create new opportunities for industrial investment.

During conversations with legislators, we also leaned in heavily on creating a competitive tax environment – specifically highlighting Governor Reynolds' Unemployment Insurance Tax Reform Proposal. Discussions then turned to workforce, a critical issue for our region.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for workforce challenges, however, attendees discussed the need for continued support for training programs and the desire for new investment in childcare (a Gov. Reynolds priority), as well as incentives to retain talent in Iowa, particularly retention of new college grads.

The group had numerous discussions about the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, including conversations with Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer. Our main priority is to get Iowa at the table as a participant to help show momentum for current efforts to bring rail from Chicago to Moline.

We held meetings with the following legislators and departments: 

• Lt. Governor Cournoyer
• Iowa Speaker of the House Pat Grassley and House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl along with Reps. Mike Vondran and Gary Mohr
• Senate President Amy Sinclair and Sens. Kerry Gruenhagen and Scott Webster
• Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) / Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Director Debi Durham
• Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Rail Office
• House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst and Reps. Daniel Gosa, Monica Kurth and Ken Croken
• House Ways and Means Chair Bobby Kaufmann and Rep. Vondran
• Senate Ways and Means Chair Dan Dawson and Sens. Gruenhagen and Webster

Those interested in getting involved with the Chamber’s advocacy are invited to subscribe to our Action Alerts.