BETTENDORF, IOWA (December 13, 2023) — The 2024 Legislative Agenda highlights the Quad Cities Chamber’s priorities for federal, state, and local issues focused on business and economic growth, quality of place and workforce, and talent development.
“During the legislative session, our Legislative Agenda will guide the conversations we have with federal, state, and local policymakers. We look forward to working in partnership with our elected officials to accelerate prosperity and growth for the QC region,” said Ryan Sempf, Executive Director, Government Affairs. “Each priority was shaped by the conversations we’ve had with business and community leaders, discussions with our boards and committees, and a survey of members.”
A new Bill Tracker on the Chamber’s website will help businesses keep track of legislation that is being proposed that could affect their business. See what bills the Chamber is supporting, opposing or monitoring.
Below is the 2024 Legislative Agenda with Federal, Illinois, Iowa and local priorities.
Federal Priorities
Long-Term Priorities
- Regional Public-Private Partnership
- Passenger Rail
- Rock Island Arsenal
Business and Economic Growth
- Protect, enhance, and improve programs to support economic development, business attraction, and business retention.
- Promote a stable, predictable, and fair regulatory environment.
- Promote a business-friendly tax environment.
- Extend key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act including opportunity zones and the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction.
Quality of Place
- Maximize funding opportunities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
- Encourage federal support for Lock and Dam enhancements on the Mississippi River.
Workforce and Talent Development
- Advocate for bipartisan solutions to immigration to increase the total workforce available to US employers.
- Address persistent barriers to employment including child-care, housing, and transportation.
- Support increased funding and flexibility for Pell Grants.
Illinois Priorities
Long-Term Priorities
- Regional Public-Private Partnership
- Passenger Rail
Business and Economic Growth
- Promote tax and incentive reforms that level the playing field on both sides of the river.
- Promote a stable, predictable, and fair regulatory environment.
- Support policies that advance clean, reliable energy sources.
Quality of Place
- Advocate for continued support of placemaking and amenity development.
- Promote programs that incentivize redevelopment and restoration of blighted neighborhoods.
- Enhance legislation for business improvement districts.
- Maximize funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law and inflation reduction act.
Workforce and Talent Development
- Address persistent barriers to employment in a sustainable manner including child-care, transportation, and housing.
- Promote enhanced support for second-chance employment.
- Maximize funding and flexibility for all levels of education (PreK-12, trades, two- and four-year college).
- Expand bi-state training and certification reciprocity.
Iowa Priorities
Long-Term Priorities
- Regional Public-Private Partnership
Business and Economic Growth
- Protect and enhance economic development programs.
- Promote a business-friendly tax environment.
- Promote a stable, predictable, and fair regulatory environment.
- Support policies to advance clean and reliable energy sources.
Quality of Place
- Continue funding for tourism and amenity development programs.
- Promote new programs to incentivize or support investment in amenities and neighborhoods.
- Maximize funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law and inflation reduction act.
Workforce and Talent Development
- Address persistent barriers to employment in a sustainable manner, including child-care, transportation, and housing.
- Promote enhanced support for second-chance employment.
- Maximize funding and flexibility for all levels of education (PreK-12, trades, two- and four-year college).
- Expand bi-state training and certification reciprocity.
Local Priorities
Long-Term Priorities
- Passenger Rail
- Rock Island Arsenal
Business and Economic Growth
- Create grants for small, local businesses with an emphasis on low-income census tracts.
- Promote regulatory stability, predictability, and fairness.
- Encourage planning for long-term growth.
Quality of Place
- Support the development of amenities within all downtowns and on the riverfront.
- Support the implementation of complete streets in the urban core and throughout communities.
- Promote redevelopment and revitalization of blighted neighborhoods.
Workforce and Talent Development
- Promote housing availability at all price levels.
- Improve transportation connectedness within and between municipalities.
- Support efforts to improve schools across the QC region.
About the Quad Cities Chamber:
The Quad Cities Chamber facilitates business growth to help create a prosperous regional economy where all can thrive. Its work is focused in three strategic areas: Business and economic growth; workforce and talent development; and quality of place. For more information visit quadcitieschamber.com.
