Celebrating the QC’s wins and the traction we gained on our 2022 Regional Advocacy Priorities

April 27, 2022

When we announced the 2022 Regional Advocacy Priorities it came with a commitment that we’d work tirelessly to advance and ensure the success of businesses throughout our region.

You told us what was most important to you through surveys and conversations, at meetings and roundtable discussions. We listened and took your voice to the state capitals in Illinois and Iowa and shared it with policymakers and staffers. We invited state representatives and senators here to our Legislative Events so you could hear their stand on issues important to you, then ask questions of your own. We asked you to join us, and you did, as we lobbied for action that would make the QC a prosperous region where all can thrive.

Our collective, regional efforts lead to results, triumphs we should celebrate. And as always, there is more work to do but we are happy to provide this summary of wins for the QC and the traction we gained on our Regional Advocacy Priorities. And there may be more. At the time of publication, Iowa legislators were still in-session. Illinois concluded on April 9.

Talent Attraction & Development

We asked policymakers to help us build an educated and skilled workforce; to take action that will help the QC attract new businesses and ensure current employers have the talent pool to succeed.

The Iowa House passed a workforce omnibus, SF2383, which would extend work-based learning opportunities for high schoolers in the state, connecting students to local employers. Other portions of the bill seek to address issues related to workforce housing through modifications to county and city zoning regulations.
The Iowa Legislature passed a bill to change unemployment benefits and now it waits for Governor Kim Reynold’s signature. The bill reduces the maximum amount of time Iowans can receive unemployment benefits from 26 to 16 weeks and requires Iowans to accept a lower-paying job more quickly. The final version does not include a one-week waiting period for benefits.
Gov. Reynolds signed legislation extending the Iowa Energy Center repeal by five years to 2027. The bill directs the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to adopt rules for designating a county as economically distressed under the High Quality Jobs Program due to recent significant layoffs. The bill addresses workforce housing by providing tax benefits to developers focusing on blighted properties and allows the IEDA to extend the deadline for a housing project under the workforce housing program.

Placemaking

We requested lawmakers help us elevate the QC into an even more vibrant region, to provide placemaking grants and dedicated funding streams to ensure we have the amenities, activities and housing that will draw and retain workers.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds earmarked $100 million to bolster quality of life and attract visitors and new residents to the state. The Destination Iowa grant program will help communities move forward on transformational, shovel-ready attractions. Cities, counties, non-profits and other organizations are eligible for grant funding, including those within our region.

Foster a Business-Friendly Environment

We championed economic growth, requesting lawmakers make sound fiscal reforms and tax policies that businesses desire so they will invest and grow in the Quad Cities region.

Illinois extended the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit for five years. EDGE is a successful tool for attracting new businesses and allowing for growth and expansion of existing companies in our region and across the state.
The Illinois Minimum Wage Credit is set to phase out in 2025 and we worked hard to ensure our small businesses could capture more significant credit amounts before that happens. The Chamber joined the Chambers All In coalition and got HB 5320 introduced into the session, secured 16 sponsors and brought it to a subject matter hearing in committee. While it did not get incorporated into a larger package, the progress we made built a foundation for this legislation on which we will continue to work.
Iowa passed legislation that will make the state more competitive and appealing to businesses, employees, families and retirees. The bill implements a 3.9% flat personal income tax, eliminates retirement income tax and reduces corporate income tax rates over a period of years to 5.5%. One downside of this legislation is it reduces the refundability of certain tax credits including the Research Activities Credit (RAC) and Historic Preservation Tax Credit program over the course of 5 years. We will continue to advocate for tax credits with proven returns and clear objectives.

Economic Recovery from Covid-19

We told lawmakers economic recovery from COVID-19 must remain a top priority to guarantee our regional employers remain viable.

Illinois earmarked $2.7 billion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies toward the $4.5 billion Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund deficit. The Quad Cities Chamber and Chambers All In coalition repeatedly shared with legislators the importance of this action for business recovery. Replenishing this fund was one of our highest priority this session. While we advocated for the entirety of the remaining ARPA funds to be used for this purpose, we recognize the $2.7 billion infusion is a critical step toward reducing the burden on the business community.
Illinois’ action to reduce the UI Trust Fund deficit is coupled with legislation to extend the deadline that would trigger higher taxes and reduced benefits for the unemployed. The July 3 deadline was extended to January 1, 2023, providing additional time to negotiate on behalf of businesses.

Our work continues

We’re not done advocating on your behalf – that is our job. Continue to engage with our Government Affairs team. Use the 'contact us' button at the top of the page to email or call us. Share your voice through the Advocacy Action Center. You play an integral part in advancing the success of our region.