WHERE WE STAND

Transcription

1 2015 WHERE WE STAND

2 boise metro chamber of commerce Other Committees 2015 Organization for Advocacy Board of Directors Board of Advisors AMBASSADORS President Martin Ackerman Signs By Tomorrow Executive Committee Ann Nelson KPMG, LLP Chair-Elect Policy Committee Kris Ormseth Stoel Rives, LLP Chairman Health Care Board Bruce Newcomb Boise State University Travel Industry Board Financial Services Board BOISE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (BYP) 2015 Chair Nick Taylor Hawley Troxell Small Business Advisory Council LEADERSHIP BOISE President* Maurine Collins Blue Cross of Idaho Scott Kreiling Regence BlueShield of Idaho Government Affairs Committee Tom Mortell Hawley Troxell ENERGY TASK FORCE Alan Moore Bogus Basin Recreational Association, Inc. Education/ Workforce Committee Gerald Hunter Idaho Housing and Finance Association Transportation Committee Molly Lenty Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Kate Eldridge HDR, Inc. Paul Powell Petroglyph Energy, Inc. Co-Chair Kenny Pittman pes-wies Nonprofit Council Steve Woodworth Idaho Youth Ranch Lisa Grow Idaho Power Company Co-Chair *Through May 2015 LEADERSHIP BOISE Vice President* Brock Martinson CTA Architects Engineers LEADERSHIP BOISE ACADEMY Vice President* Angie Nelson Mountain America Credit Union LEADERSHIP BOISE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (LBAA) Chair* Mike Markley Markley LLC

3 2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA SUPPORT FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE A safe and efficient transportation system is important for the state s economy. The Chamber supports increased funding to repair and maintain state and local roads and bridges. SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO ALLOW LOCAL OPTION TAXATION The Chamber supports legislation to allow a voter-approved, local option sales tax to fund major community projects, regional public transportation and economic development. The Chamber s 2011 and 2013 Leadership Conferences focused on local option. In 2012, a Chamber InterCity Visit to Oklahoma City reviewed that city s success with several voter-approved sales tax initiatives to fund many significant community capital projects. SUPPORT HIGHER EDUCATION BUILDING PROJECTS Support state funding of $5 million for the $35 million Fine Arts Building at Boise State University; and state funding of $2.3 million for the $2.8 million Dental Health Program renovation project at Idaho State University-Meridian. SUPPORT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE TASK FORCE FOR IMPROVING EDUCATION To be competitive in the world-wide economy and skilled labor for Idaho businesses, maintaining the Idaho Core Standards are important in meeting the statewide goal of 60% of high school graduates eventually acquiring a certificate, 2-year or 4-year degree. The Chamber continues to review and support recommendations, such as Mastery Based System, Dual Enrollment, High Speed Bandwidth, Technology Devices, Career Ladder Compensation, Professional Development and Training, Literacy Proficiency, Mentoring, and Funding an Enrollment Model. SUPPORT THE USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR MEDICAID COVERAGE OF THE UNINSURED Adequate funding for the delivery of medical services is important for Idaho hospitals and health care community. Reimbursement for medical services for Idaho s uninsured and underinsured at lessthan-cost rates is ultimately subsidized and cost-shifted to employers and taxpayers. With elimination of the state s Catastrophic Fund, substantial property tax relief will occur at the local level. MAINTAIN THE TAX REIMBURSEMENT INCENTIVE LEGISLATION The legislation passed in 2014 is successfully filling the incentive gap when negotiating with significant expansion or retention projects. The expansion entity receives a portion of the new state revenue from income tax and sales tax for a limited period of time. MAINTAIN THE IDAHO CORE STANDARDS These education standards are the result of a voluntary, state-led effort to develop college and career ready standards to increase the depth of knowledge, skills and abilities of Idaho students. CONTINUE REDUCTION OF THE STATE S CORPORATE INCOME TAX The corporate income tax of 7.4% is still higher than surrounding states for some business attraction projects. Idaho has been eliminated from consideration for economic development projects based on this tax rate alone

4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND INITIATIVES LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: 1. Support Continued Funding of the Idaho Opportunity Fund: The Idaho Opportunity Fund is used to provide financial assistance to local governments which are working with new or existing companies to grow jobs and investment in the state. 2. Continued Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax: Idaho s corporate income tax rate has been reduced to 7.4% but is still is considered too high to be competitive with other states for some business attraction projects. 3. Support Elimination of the Personal Property Tax: Support the elimination of the personal property tax, an onerous tax for business to pay and government to collect. Nearly 6,000 businesses continue to pay this onerous and inefficient tax. Increasing the exemption to $500,000 would be an important next step in the process to completely eliminate the tax. 4. Maintain the Tax Reimbursement Incentive: Tax Reimbursement Incentive Legislation fills the incentive gap when negotiating with significant expansion or retention projects. 5. Maintain the Idaho Workforce Development Training Fund: The training fund is an important economic development tool in the state of Idaho. The training fund helps existing companies expand and helps attract new business to Idaho. Current Idaho law extends the sunset clause to January 1, Urban Renewal Legislation: Support pro-active urban reinvestment legislation for additional structure and tools to assist cities with economic development. 7. Support the use of Federal Funds for Medicaid Coverage of the Uninsured: Adequate funding for the delivery of medical services is important for Idaho hospitals and health care community. Reimbursement for medical services for Idaho s uninsured and underinsured at lessthan-cost rates is ultimately subsidized. 8. Support a State-Operated Health Insurance Exchange: An insurance exchange is a one-stop marketplace for individuals and small employers to shop for and buy health insurance policies, in response to a federal mandate. This ensures a meaningful role for independent brokers and an open competitive market to help increase the number of Idahoans insured through private insurance. 9. Liquor License Reform: Support legislation to reform Idaho s liquor license process by providing an alternative to the current populationbased quota system that will not harm current license holders. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES: 10. Local Option Taxation: In the past, the Chamber has supported legislation to allow a voter-approved, local option sales tax to fund regional public transportation and other transportation improvements. The Chamber s 2011 and 2013 Leadership Conferences focused on local funding mechanisms for major community projects, including transportation. In 2012, a Chamber InterCity Visit to Oklahoma City reviewed that city s success with several voter-approved sales tax initiatives to fund many significant community projects. 11. Additional Convention Center Space: The Chamber supports the expansion project in the City Center Plaza and the eventual renovation of the existing Boise Centre space. 12. Multi-Use Sports and Entertainment Facility: A multi-use facility near downtown Boise is important for economic development, sports and entertainment. Such a facility could be used for a minor league baseball franchise, youth sports tournaments for soccer, baseball, football and lacrosse, musical concerts, special events, corporate events, ceremonies and festivals. 13. Boise Libraries: Support the City of Boise s remaining branch library in Southeast Boise. In the future, the Chamber will review a proposal for a new main library facility. 14. Air Quality: Support the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council s plan to improve the air quality in the Treasure Valley. In addition to economic development, cleaner air is important for breathability, natural beauty, recreation use and livability. CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE INITIATIVES: 15. Boise Airport and Gowen Field: Support development of the Boise Airport and Gowen Field for additional commercial air service and military activity for the Idaho National Guard. Support Additional Non-Stop Air Service at the Boise Airport Support an F-35 squadron at Gowen Field for the Idaho Air National Guard Support Construction of the Third Runway for Boise Airport and Military Uses Support Development of Significant Air Cargo Services at the Boise Airport 16. Mountain Home Air Force Base: Support operation of the air base as an important, established asset to the U.S. Department of Defense as it trains pilots, tests aircraft and maintains combat readiness for the U.S. Air Force. Continue to support the deployment of the F-15 fighter units. 17. Idaho National Laboratory (INL): Support expansion of INL s mission to support the science, engineering and operations needs of the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies and organizations through the application of key technological capabilities, including nuclear research. Support the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a unique, collaborative partnership between INL and the University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University. 18. Idaho s Technology Sector: Support the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM). The IGEMs initiative is increasing the research capacity of Idaho s universities in several areas and is developing a consortium of industry, university and government partnerships

5 TAX POLICY AND INITIATIVES LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: 1. Conform with the IRS Tax Code: The Chamber, insofar as appropriate, annually supports maintaining compatibility of Idaho's tax code with the federal tax code. 2. Continued Reduction of the Corporate Income Tax: Idaho s corporate income tax rate has been reduced to 7.4% but is still is considered too high to be competitive with other states for some business attraction projects. 3. Local Option Taxation: The Chamber has longsupported legislation to allow a voter-approved, local option sales tax to fund regional public transportation and other transportation improvements. The Chamber s 2011 and 2013 Leadership Conferences focused on local funding mechanisms for major community projects, including transportation. 4. Eliminate the Personal Property Tax: Support the total elimination of the personal property tax, an onerous tax for business to pay and government to collect. Nearly 6,000 businesses continue to pay this onerous and inefficient tax. Increasing the exemption to $500,000 would be an important next step in the process to completely eliminate the tax. 5. Maintain the Tax Reimbursement Incentive: Tax Reimbursement Incentive Legislation fills the incentive gap when negotiating with significant expansion or retention projects. 6. Cloud-Based Computing Services: Legislation passed in 2013 and 2014 is designed to eliminate sales tax on cloud-based computing services since these are "services" rather than "software" and therefore not subject to Idaho state sales tax. Additional updates to the statute may be needed to ensure that the law is fair, clear, and evenly-applied, as was originally intended. 7. Production Exemption: Support retention of the sales tax exemption on tangible personal property used in the production process. 8. Sales Tax Exemptions: Support the preservation of essential sales tax exemptions that benefit the economy. TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES FOR COM- MERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONGESTION MITIGATION BOISE AIRPORT, RAILROADS, & ECONOMIC DEVELOP- MENT: Air service expansion and strategic airport economic development projects. Freight transfer station integrating air, highway and rail components. Aviation missions at Gowen Field for the Idaho Air and Army National Guard. ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT (ACHD): Improve the One-Mile Arterial Grid System: Enhance north-south (Cole, Maple Grove, Cloverdale) and eastwest (Ustick, McMillan, Victory) mobility to a multi-lane system. Support Fairview Ave. improvements, including reconstruction of the Cole- Fairview Intersection. Other intersection and signal improvements to be made before medians are considered. Downtown Boise Implementation: Conversion of selected one-way streets to two-way and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Major Intersection Improvements, including 36th Street/Hill Road and State Street/Collister. Cole/Fairview Intersection is referenced above. Lake Hazel Extension to Cole Road, followed by planning to support eventual extension east to the I-84 / Isaacs Canyon Interchange. Bogus Basin Road improvements from the Federal Lands Access Program. COMPASS: COMMUNITY PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO: High Capacity Corridor Analysis to identify mobility options and reasonable transit alternatives on selected corridors (Hwy 44-State Street, Hwy 20/26-Chinden, I-84, rail line). IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (ITD): Broadway Avenue Bridge: Replace existing river crossing; add lanes, pedestrian and bike facilities. Eagle Road Improvements: Additional traffic lanes and turn lanes utilizing STAR (state tax anticipation revenue) funding. State Highway 44-State Street: Various projects and corridor preservation from City of Eagle, west to Middleton and Interstate I-84. U.S. Highway 20/26 to Caldwell: Corridor preservation from Eagle Road, west to Caldwell and Interstate I-84. State Highway 16 Extension/Central Valley Expressway: Support funding for SH-16 extension from US 20/26 (Chinden) to Interstate I-84 with new interchange. VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT: Multi-Modal Transportation Center: Support a transit center to implement the adopted downtown mobility plan and future regional transit alternatives and options. Expanded Regional Public Transportation Services: Support the revenue necessary to build and maintain a robust regional public transportation system as envisioned in the Valley Regional Transit s ValleyConnect strategic plan. State Street Vision: Support the transportation investments on this important east-west corridor north of the Boise River to assure a multimodal solution as recommended in the Transit and Traffic Operations Plan adopted by the region s local governments. LEGISLATION AND FUNDING ISSUES: Support increased revenue to fund maintenance and system improvements for Idaho s transportation infrastructure. Support multi-year reauthorization and increased revenue for the federal transportation program. Support Legislative authorization of voter-approved local option sales tax for economic development purposes, including major community projects, surface transportation and public transportation. Support utilization of STAR (state tax anticipation revenue) funding for transportation projects. Support investment in improved safety and mobility for non-vehicle transportation alternatives, such as pedestrian and bicycle. 5

6 EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE POLICY AND INITIATIVES LEGISLATION AND FUNDING ISSUES: 1. Idaho Core Standards: These education standards are the result of a voluntary, state-led effort to develop college and career ready standards to increase the depth of knowledge, skills and abilities of Idaho students. To be competitive in the world-wide economy, maintaining these standards are important in meeting the statewide goal of 60% of high school graduates eventually acquiring a certificate, 2-year or 4-year degree. 2. Task Force for Improving Education: Support the State Board of Education s goal that 60% of Idaho citizens ages attain at least a one-year postsecondary credential by Continue review and support of the Task Force for Improving Education s recommendations, such as Mastery Based System, Dual Enrollment, High Speed Bandwidth, Technology Devices, Career Ladder Compensation, Professional Development and Training, Literacy Proficiency, Mentoring, and Funding an Enrollment Model. 3. Higher Education Buildings: Support state funding of $5 million for the $35 million Fine Arts Building at Boise State University; and state funding of $2.3 million for the $2.8 million Dental Health Program renovation project at Idaho State University-Meridian. 4. Pre-Kindergarten Program: Support a pilot, public-private program, similar to legislation introduced in the 2014 State Legislature that encourages early childhood development. CHAMBER INITIATIVES: 1. Boise State University: Support Boise State University s mission to be a Metropolitan Research University of Distinction through specific funding requests and facility appropriations. 2. College of Western Idaho (CWI): Support funding for education programs and appropriate facilities for the College of Western Idaho. A campus master plan is being completed which details the future facility needs on the Nampa campus. A funding plan is needed for the $35 million Health Sciences Building and the $45 million Student Services Building 3. Higher Education Programs: Support the delivery of higher education programs important to the workforce development for our regional economy by public and private institutions of higher education in the metro area. COMMITTEE INITIATIVES: 4. i-stem Education (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math): Support the initiatives of i-stem, the coordinated statewide effort by private industry and the State Department of Education, Idaho Professional-Technical Education and educators to support science, technology, engineering and math in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. 5. Future Idaho Workforce: In order to compete in the global and national marketplace, support the Idaho State Board of Education s goal developed by the Education Attainment Task Force that 60% of Idaho workers will have a degree, certificate; industry recognized credential or apprenticeship beyond high school by the year School Facility Bonds: When necessary, review and develop a recommendation on school facility bond proposals by the Boise School District and the West Ada School District. 7. Workplace Flexibility: Support programs and seminars for chamber members highlighting the importance of workplace flexibility as a strategy to enhance businesses competitive advantage in the global economy and to help both employers and employees succeed. ENERGY POLICY 1. Support the exploration and development of a variety of energy sources, including hydro, natural gas, nuclear and alternative sources (wind, solar, biomass and geothermal). Advocate for a simplified land leasing process for exploration and development. 2. Support the generation of energy from hydro power (including support for dam relicensing) natural gas, coal, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and nuclear. 3. Support transmission of energy through improving infrastructure, including construction of electrical lines and construction or extension of natural gas pipelines. 4. Support the efficient use of energy through conservation programs and green building design. 5. Support maintaining Idaho s overall low cost and reliable supply of energy through exploration, development, generation, transmission and conservation. 6. Support energy-related economic development and educational initiatives. Support the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) at the Idaho National Laboratory and the Energy Efficiency Research Institute Center (EERI) at Boise State University. 7. Endorse the 2012 State Energy Plan and the continued efforts of the Idaho Office of Energy Resources and its Strategic Energy Alliance. 6

7 Contact Information: GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PHONE Governor C.L. Butch Otter (R) Lieutenant Governor Brad Little (R) ADA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS District 1 - Jim Tibbs (R) jtibbs@adaweb.net District 2 - Rick Yzaguirre (R) ryzaguirre@adaweb.net District 3 - Dave Case (R) dcase@adaweb.net CITY MAYORS Boise - Mayor David Bieter mayor@cityofboise.org Eagle - Mayor Jim Reynolds jreynolds@cityofeagle.org Garden City - Mayor John Evans jevans@gardencityidaho.org Kuna -Mayor Greg Nelson MayorNelson@cityofkuna.com Meridian - Mayor Tammy de Weerd mayortammy@meridiancity.org Star - Mayor Nathan Mitchell nmitchell@staridaho.org COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO (CWI) TRUSTEES Stan Bastian stanbastian@cwidaho.cc Emily Walton emilywalton@cwidaho.cc Mark Dunham markdunham@cwidaho.cc Guy Hurlbutt guyhurlbutt@cwidaho.cc Mary (M.C.) Niland mcniland@cwidaho.cc ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT (ACHD) COMMISSIONERS District 1 - Jim Hansen jhansen@achdidaho.org District 2 - Rebecca Arnold tellus@achdidaho.org District 3 - Paul Woods pwoods@achdidaho.org District 4 - Kent Goldthorpe kgoldthorpe@achdidaho.org District 5 - Sara Baker sbaker@achdidaho.org IDAHO STATE LEGISLATORS District 14: Senator Marv Hagedorn (R) mhagedorn@senate.idaho.gov Representative Mike Moyle (R) mmoyle@house.idaho.gov Representative Reed DeMordaunt (R) reedd@house.idaho.gov District 15: Senator Fred Martin (R) fmartin@senate.idaho.gov Representative Lynn Luker (R) lluker@house.idaho.gov Representative: Patrick McDonald (R) pmcdonald@house.idaho.gov District 16: Senator Grant Burgoyne (D) gburgoyne@senate.idaho.gov Representative John McCrostie (D) jmccrostie@house.idaho.gov Representative Hy Kloc (D) hkloc@house.idaho.gov District 17: Senator Elliot Werk (D) ewerk@senate.idaho.gov Representative John Gannon (D) jgannon@house.idaho.gov Representative Sue Chew (D) schew@house.idaho.gov District 18: Senator Janie Ward-Engelking (D) jwardengelking@senate.idaho.gov Representative Ilana Rubel (D) irubel@house.idaho.gov Representative Phylis King (D) pking@house.idaho.gov District 19: Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb (D) cbucknerwebb@senate.idaho.gov Representative Mat Erpelding (D) merpelding@house.idaho.gov Representative Melissa Wintrow (D) mwintrow@house.idaho.gov District 20: Senator Chuck Winder (R) cwinder@senate.idaho.gov Representative Joe Palmer (R) jpalmer@house.idaho.gov Representative James Holtzclaw (R) jholtzclaw@house.idaho.gov District 21: Senator Cliff Bayer (R) cbayer@senate.idaho.gov Representative Steven Harris (R) sharris@house.idaho.gov Representative Tom Dayley (R) tdayley@house.idaho.gov District 22: Senator Lori Den Hartog (R) ldenhartog@senate.idaho.gov Representative John Vander Woude (R) jvanderwoude@house.idaho.gov Representative Jason Monks (R) jmonks@house.idaho.gov

8 Blue Cross of Idaho has got you covered. Wherever you are, whatever you do, Blue Cross of Idaho is there for you. With the best choice of doctors, the best choice of plans, and the experience and quality of care you deserve, you can trust Blue Cross of Idaho to be there when you need us. We always have been. bcidaho.com Blue Cross of Idaho is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Connors, President & CEO Ray Stark, Senior Vice President, Government & Community Relations/Events Caroline Merritt, Director, Public Relations Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) 250 S. 5th Street, Suite 300, Boise, Idaho