About the Washington Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee

The Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations Committee helps to plan and implement Legislative Briefings and Candidate Forums. We encourage legislative action that promotes business growth, local economy and strong communities. We are a non-partisan organization and do not endorse any candidate nor are we a part of the US Chamber of Commerce.

  • Gain a voice in government. The chamber is a non-partisan organization but can take on appropriate tough issues and opposes new regulations, taxes, fees, assessments and costs directed at small businesses. It also helps protect the principles of free enterprise and aids businesses in being treated fairly.
  • Candidates Forum – in the fall for contested local races
  • Legislative Briefings – four sessions offered from January – April
  • Legislative Agenda – the Chamber will consider advocacy support for projects that support our business community
  • Letters of Support from the Chamber of Commerce can have a huge impact when your business is facing critical issues or applying for grants and outside funding

Legislative Briefings 2024

The Washington County Legislative Briefings are held on the second Friday of the month from noon until 2 p.m. in the months of January – April. These briefings will be held at local businesses so that local leaders and community members can learn first-hand of the importance that the decisions being made across the state can affect us at a local level. After our legislators give updates on the committees they serve on, those who are in attendance are welcome to address the legislators with any concerns or compliments they have to offer. Immediately following the briefing, a company tour is offered for all in attendance.
Chamber of Commerce

Heather Hora

State Representative District 92

Please introduce yourself.

I am a Christian, Mother, Wife and Farmer that lives in rural Washington with my husband Kurt, my three school aged children, Presley, Elizabeth and John. I grew up in Riverside, served on Iowa Pork Board and Washington County Pork Board. I was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2022.

Why are you running?

I am running for reelection because I love serving my district. I feel there needs to be someone who is a strong voice in Des Moines to stand up to the activists and to explain to those who don’t understand, who we are in rural Iowa. I am running for our kids, for our families, for our livelihoods.

What are your top priorities, as it pertains to this position?

If there is one thing Iowans care about its taxes. I am in favor of controlling government spending, economic stability and common-sense tax reform. Property taxes will be at the top of the list. I also want to empower teachers in the classroom and get them the disciplinary tools they deserve.

Dawn Driscoll

State Senator District 46

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Dawn Driscoll, and I am running for Iowa Senate in Senate District 46. My husband, Joe, and I have three children, Andy, Erin, and Erica, and we raise cattle on our family farm. I have served this area proudly in the Iowa Senate for the last four years.

Why are you running?

I originally ran for office because I wanted to be a voice for common-sense solutions and help support families just like mine. After working on historic income tax relief and tax cuts for hard-working farmers and families, I want to continue building on our successes and accomplishments.

What are your top priorities, as it pertains to this position?

Next year, I would be focused on property tax relief and helping ensure Iowans can afford to stay in their homes. Also, I want to keep protecting Iowa farmers from bad policy and bad actors who are set on ruining such an important industry in our state.