Chamber announces 2010 legislative priorities

Updated: December 14, 2009

Iowa City Area Chamber members provided input and guidance to shape the Chamber’s 2010 Legislative Agenda. Last year, our legislative council unanimously recommended two principal issues to promote during the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions. The Chamber Board of Directors approved the following recommendations:

Passenger Train
Iowa has an opportunity to provide Amtrak passenger train service connecting Iowa City to Chicago. Last session, Iowa took steps to extend passenger rail service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce urges Governor Culver and the Iowa Legislature to provide a funding support for the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARR A) grant request supported by the Iowa Department of Transportation for improvements needed for passenger rail to Iowa City. Ridership estimates are projected at 70,000 rides per year. Passenger rail is especially favorable during these times of dwindling energy reserves and rapidly escalating gas prices. Timing this project with the Illinois rail extension to the Quad Cities will provide great project savings, so immediate action is needed.

Property Tax Reform
The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce encourages the 2010 Legislature to initiate comprehensive tax reform. The current property tax system places a tremendous burden on commercial and industrial businesses and properties due to the residential rollback system. In fact, it has a negative impact on economic development initiatives throughout Iowa. A floor for the residential rollback should be established and it should not be allowed to further decline. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages Governor Culver and the Legislature to examine the current taxing structure and make appropriate changes that will provide greater equity and stability to local government and the State of Iowa.

Click here to read a comprehensive list of 2010 legislative position statements. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce works on behalf of its nearly 1,000 members to foster a better business environment. Comprehensive tax reform, agribusiness/bioscience transportation infrastructure, healthcare costs, education, local government and economic growth are issues important to our area. For more information about how to submit an issue for consideration or about the Chamber’s efforts in each of these areas contact Rebecca Neades, vice president and director of public policy, at (319) 337-9637 or RNeades@iowacityarea. com.