State Opportunities Agenda
The Lincoln Chamber’s key legislative objectives for 2010::
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Lincoln Chamber will support proposals that facilitate the LPED strategic plan for the Lincoln region and proposals that grow and maintain jobs across the state. The Lincoln Chamber will work cooperatively with the State Chamber, Omaha Chamber, and and other organizations to support proposals to 1) ) improve the competitiveness of state job/investment incentives; 2) maintain and enhance job training funds; and 3 promote regional economic growth.
CVB AND EVENT FACILITIES NEEDS The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce will place particular emphasis on supporting legislative proposals that assist the Convention and Visitors Bureau in executing its mission of bringing more visitors, events, and conventions to the Lincoln area. The Lincoln Chamber specifically supported and lobbied to secure state funding assistance for the 2010 Special Olympics and will work to maintain this funding in 2010. The Chamber will support any necessary state efforts, such as application for state turn back funds for the West Haymarket Arena, that may take place this year.
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce will work to protect the HWY Trust Fund and will support proposals that increase state funding allocations for road infrastructure needs. The Chamber believes, as was confirmed again by the LR 153 study conducted by the Transportation & Telecommunications Committee, there is a significant funding gap for road infrastructure needs across the state. State road funds distributed to counties and municipalities should be directed for use on street and road construction projects only. The Chamber supports reviewing the factors utilized in the allocation formula for distributing state road funds and will support efforts to more equitably distribute funds to areas of growing population and infrastructure needs. The Chamber will continued to support expanding options for state road financing and will support greater authority for local financing tools, such as expanded local option sales tax authority. We will continue to support development of a State Infrastructure Bank and a reasonable state bonding program for major projects.
TAX RELIEF The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce continues to support lowering the burden of state taxes. Tax relief must include a focus on spending restraint and prioritization from state and local governments. Without spending restraint from all levels of government, so called tax relief will simply shift the tax burden. In keeping with our core statements of policy, the Lincoln Chamber will support proposals that: 1) help keep more capital in the private sector economy; 2) help maintain and grow business operations, and; 3) help Nebraska become more competitive and able to expand jobs and investment to grow our economy. The Lincoln Chamber supports targeted capital gains and income tax relief to help keep jobs and people in Nebraska.
STATE BUDGET PRIORITIES The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce will support:
1) incentives to encourage government mergers and consolidations at all levels; 2) eliminating duplication of services, and; 3) performance audits to determine the effectiveness of programs. Key assets for economic growth, such as funding for roads and the University of Nebraska, should be maintained and even enhanced in the areas of excellence that bolster private sector economic activity. State leaders should continue to be prudent in their protection and use of the cash reserve, being careful to ensure that Nebraska is positioned to be on the leading edge of economic recovery.
Adopted: February 11, 2010
