As a service to the community, The Messenger and the Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee are making an effort to keep you informed about issues that may have local impact. This committee consists of an active group of members that monitors pending bills and legislation being considered by both the state and federal legislatures.
An advisory committee has been created to act solely as advisers. The Chamber wants to be sure to hear both sides of issues, especially controversial issues; so that we can help our members better understand new legislation and its ramifications. These advisers will help to provide opinions on "both sides of the fence" for various pieces of legislation.
Local issues
(www.fortdodgeiowa.orgwww.webstercountyia.org)
Downtown redesign/crosstown connector
TIF
Statewide priorities
Proactive opportunities to promote economic growth
Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress
Commercial/industrial property tax reform
Business income tax reform
Regulatory reform/mandates
TIF
Values Fund and other economic development funding
Casino tax increase
Passenger rail funding
Education funding (K-12 and community colleges)
Federal issues
www.uschamber.com/issues/related.htm?t=019
Health care reform
Medicare issues
Budget and entitlement reforms
The Chamber and Iowa Central Community College host the monthly event Eggs and Issues. This is an open forum that provides an opportunity for our area legislators to meet with their constituents. It is held the last Saturday of each month the Legislature is in session at Iowa Central's Bioscience Auditorium. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with the forum and open Q & A beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 10 a.m.
This is an excellent opportunity for the public to meet with our legislators and let them know what issues are foremost in the public's minds. It is also a venue for the legislators to update the public on state and national legislative issues. We encourage everyone who is interested to attend. Coffee and doughnuts are provided by Iowa Central.
If there are other issues of importance that you feel are not being addressed, please contact the Chamber's Legislative Committee via e-mail at director@fortdodgechamber.com.
This column was submitted by the Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce.