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Government

Quad Cities Chamber Announces 2018 Legislative Priorities

WVIK News
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WVIK News

Local business leaders want state and local government to improve the economy and create a business-friendly climate.  Tuesday, the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce announced its 2018 legislative priorities.  

Natalie Linville-Mass, President of Media Link in Rock Island, says the online sales tax in Illinois creates problems for local businesses.

 
"The biggest problem that my business has is we sell license all over the United States and every state is completely different from one to another.  It would really be the hope that the states were up front or that we have a better way to be able to know what states need what sales tax.  It's a mess, it is an absolute mess and it's really hard to keep track of that."

Chamber members also want Illinois lawmakers to fix the state's financial problems, and renew the Quad Cities Enterprise Zone.  Other priorities include pension reform and passing a capital bill.

Quad Cities business leaders want Iowa to change the school funding formula to make it equal, and simplify the state tax code. They also want legislators to improve transportation between the Quad Cities and the rest of Iowa. That includes passenger rail and expanding I-80 to six lanes.

Chamber officials say items at the top of their federal list include supporting the Rock Island Arsenal, and investing in transportation and infrastructure, such as bridges and passenger rail.  They also want congress to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses, and strengthen federal support for renewable and nuclear energy.