What We Learned on Our Quick Trip to D.C.

​Last week, more than 95 Indiana business leaders hopped on planes to our nation’s capital and spent two days as part of the Indiana Chamber’s annual fly-in. We went to meet face-to-face with our federal representatives, to get a feel for the political climate in D.C. and to let them know firsthand the issues that concern you, our members, and our business community. 
​In preparation for the trip, OneZone conducted a survey – you may have answered it if you clicked the link in In the Zone – to find out what issues impact your business, what keeps you up at night. Based on the responses, I went ready to talk about healthcare, infrastructure and business taxation.

Senators Todd Young and Joe Donnelly, along with Representatives Susan Brooks, Luke Messer and Trey Hollingsworth, welcomed us and addressed your issues:
Healthcare
Legislation had just failed, so the question we posed was. . .what’s next?  The answer? They’ll try again next year. One member of our delegation was very pointed in asking, “When will Republicans and Democrats work together on this issue, because their inaction is having a big impact on their constituent’s health.”  We were assured this is a top issue for next year.
Infrastructure 
Consensus from the Indiana delegation was that the president should have pushed this agenda forward before healthcare. As they explained, the likelihood of passage in some form is fairly high. Put this big ticket issue in the column for next year, too.
Business Taxation
Ironically, on the day our delegation was flying to D.C., the President (along with the majority of the Indiana Congressional delegation) was traveling to Indiana to talk about personal and corporate taxation. There was agreement that this would probably pass in some form, but that it will require a lot of discussion and analysis. . .which generally means, don’t get in a big hurry.
Whether we like what is going on in Washington or not, the significant impact on our lives and businesses is immense. Speaking directly to our representatives on all levels is crucial in helping them understand what the issues look like from where we stand. The more contact our representatives have with all of us, the better.
Have an issue? Be sure to let us know. But also take the time to email or call your representatives. Because . . . we can all make a difference.
Click here for contact information on your federal representatives.  ​