BOISE METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHERE WE STAND. Legislative Agenda Policy Positions

Transcription

1 BOISE METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2017 WHERE WE STAND Legislative Agenda Policy Positions

2 boise metro chamber of commerce 2017 Organization for Advocacy BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chamber Advocacy Team Board of Advisors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Scott Madison Intermountain Gas Company Chairman Bill Connors President & CEO POLICY COMMITTEE Brad Street Albertsons Chair-Elect Bruce Newcomb Boise State University Health Care Board Food & Ag Industry Board Travel Industry Board Financial Services Board Small Business Advisory Council Scott Kreiling Regence BlueShield of Idaho Tracy Hitchcock Create Common Good Sandy Clark Lamar Airport Advertising Gerald Hunter Idaho Housing and Finance Association Martin Ackerman Signs By Tomorrow Government Affairs Committee Education/ Workforce Committee Transportation Committee Nonprofit Council Marnie Packard SelectHealth Molly Lenty Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Kate Eldridge HDR, Inc. Steve Woodworth Idaho Youth Ranch ENERGY TASK FORCE Paul Powell Petroglyph Energy, Inc. Co-Chair Lisa Grow Idaho Power Company Co-Chair *Through May 2017 Ray Stark Senior Vice President, Government & Community Relations/Events Caroline Merritt Director, Public Relations John Watts Partner Veritas Advisors Idaho Chamber Alliance Lobbyist

3 2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Business Happens Here. SUPPORT FUNDING FOR THE STATE S CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM An appropriation of $3.7 million will continue to increase the talent pipeline for current openings in high demand jobs in health care, information technology, manufacturing and many other careers. This will continue the reduction of student waiting lists and provide trained workers for Idaho business. SUPPORT FUNDING FOR BOISE STATE S CENTER FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE Support $10 million from the Permanent Building Fund for the Center for Materials Science Building at Boise State University. A facility for materials science will elevate the program to national prominence and enhance the growth of high-tech science in Idaho. With $40 million from university and private donations, the total project cost would be $50 million. SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR INVESTMENT The Chamber supports maintaining Tax Reimbursement Incentive (TRI) legislation that has directly led to thousands of new jobs in Idaho. The Chamber will review new proposals for bonding infrastructure using voterapproved local option and review the recommendations of the Legislature s Urban Renewal Interim Committee to protect this tool for future urban investment. CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR IMPROVING EDUCATION To be competitive in the worldwide economy and skilled labor for Idaho businesses it is important in meeting the statewide goal of 60% of high school graduates eventually acquiring a certificate, 2-year or 4-year degree. The Chamber supports the Legislature s continued implementation of education improvements. The Chamber supports the State Board of Education s request for $10 million for Outcomes-Based Funding. This phased approach will allocate funds based on students successful completion of college programs, such as degrees and certificates. SUPPORT AN IDAHO HEALTH INSURANCE SOLUTION To avoid cost shifting to businesses with health insurance, adequate reimbursement for the delivery of medical services is important for Idaho hospitals and the healthcare community, as well as businesses that provide coverage to their employees. The Chamber appreciates the efforts of the interim legislative work group and will review proposals during the Legislative Session. CONTINUE REDUCTION OF THE STATE S CORPORATE INCOME TAX The corporate income tax of 7.4% is still higher than surrounding states. Idaho has been eliminated from consideration for economic development projects based on this tax rate alone. The rate could gradually be reduced over several years. One innovative approach could be to buy down the tax rate only after state government is funded at a certain level and the savings accounts are replenished. SUPPORT ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING The Chamber thanks the 2015 Legislature for increasing the motor fuel tax and registration fees to partially address maintaining the State s roads and bridges. Since the 2-year surplus eliminator will sunset, the 2017 Legislature should approve additional revenue proposals to fund the state s transportation system. REVIEW EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES The Chamber supports pre-kindergarten legislation and will review early learning proposals in the 2017 Legislature. More Idaho children need to be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten under a program that features parental choice, local control and collaborative funding

4 4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TAX POLICIES AND INITIATIVES 1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR INVESTMENT: The Chamber supports maintaining the Tax Reimbursement Incentive (TRI) legislation that has directly led to thousands of new jobs in Idaho. The Chamber will review new proposals for bonding infrastructure using voter-approved local option taxation. The Chamber supports protecting tax increment financing as a tool for urban investment. The Chamber supports the Idaho Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for infrastructure and equipment 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 considered too high to be competitive with other states for some business attraction projects. Idaho has been eliminated from consideration for economic development projects based on this tax rate alone. The rate could gradually be reduced over several years. One innovative approach could be to buy down the tax rate after state government is funded at a certain level and the savings accounts are replenished. 3. AN IDAHO HEALTH INSURANCE SOLUTION: To avoid cost shifting to businesses with health insurance, adequate reimbursement for the delivery of medical services is important for Idaho hospitals and the healthcare community, as well as businesses that provide coverage to their employees. The Chamber appreciates the efforts of the interim legislative work group and will review proposals during the Legislative Session. 4. 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. The Chamber supports maintaining the state operated exchange rather than a federal operated and controlled exchange so that Idaho can maintain primacy over the state s private health insurance market. This ensures a meaningful role for independent brokers and an open competitive market to help increase the number of Idahoans insured through private insurance. 5. IDAHO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND: The training fund is an important economic development tool in the state of Idaho. Its objectives are to 1)provide funding to help train new employees for expanding companies; and 2) provide upgraded skill training for current workers who are at risk of being permanently laid off. The training fund helps existing companies expand and helps attract new business to Idaho. Current Idaho law extends the sunset clause to January 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. Implementing legislation is considered by the Idaho Legislature. 7. 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. Personal property consists of items used by business, such as furniture, machinery, tools, desks, computers, etc. Personal property exempt from taxation includes household items, personal vehicles, livestock, medical equipment and many other items. The Legislature should take into account the revenue impact to local governments when continuing the phased elimination. 8. PRODUCTION EXEMPTION: Support retention of the sales tax exemption on tangible personal property used in the production process. This pertains to materials, supplies and equipment used directly in the production process by manufacturers, farmers and other producers. 9. SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS: Support the preservation of essential sales tax exemptions that benefit the economy, including removing the sunset for the exemption for parts for repair of out-of-state aircraft. The Chamber opposes the expansion of sales tax on services while continuing to analyze the changing nature of the economy and the trend toward more service transactions and Internet sales. 10. 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. 11. BOISE LIBRARIES: The City of Boise s has completed four branch libraries from a combination of renovations of existing buildings and new construction. In the future, the Chamber looks forward to reviewing a proposal for a downtown main library facility. 12. 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. In 2008, the House of Representatives approved a general local option constitutional amendment for cities and counties but it was held in a Senate committee. The Chamber opposed this constitutional amendment as being unnecessary and unduly stringent. The Governor s Transportation Task Force included local option as a mechanism to fund transportation in its report to the Governor and Legislature in late 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. The Chamber will review bonding options from voter-approved local option. 13. 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. The air shed is nearing its capacity for several pollutants that are monitored by federal and state governments under the Clean Air Act. These pollutants include: nitrogen oxide (ozone) from vehicle emissions and other combustion; particulate matter from agriculture, vehicle emissions and burning; and carbon monoxide from vehicle emissions.

5 14. 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. Current airport activity includes commercial, corporate and general aviation, air cargo, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), Idaho backcountry operations and military operations. Additional airport activities include increased air service, non-stop routes and air cargo operations. Future military mission for the Idaho Air Guard could include an operations squadron for the F-35. Future construction of a third runway south of Gowen Road would enhance aviation and military uses and air cargo operations. Support Additional Non-Stop Air Service at the Boise Airport Support F-15 or F-35 aircraft 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 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 and F-16 fighter units. The air base is the largest, operational military facility in Idaho. Its economic impact on Southwest Idaho totals over one billion dollars with an economic multiplier. The air base provides extensive support to the Idaho Air and Army National Guard. 15. 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. Leverage CAES infrastructure, equipment and expertise to educate Idaho s energy workforce, promote energy efficiency and deliver innovative, cost-effective, and credible energy research. 16. 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. These economic drivers will generate globally competitive technologies, high-paying jobs, new startups and an expanded tax base. TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES FOR COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONGESTION MITIGATION* BOISE AIRPORT, RAILROADS, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 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. IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (ITD) CONTINUED: 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. *As of 2013, will update in 2017

6 EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE POLICIES AND INITIATIVES 6 1. CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Additional appropriations will increase the talent pipeline for current openings in high demand jobs in health care, information technology, manufacturing and many other careers. This will reduce student waiting lists and provide trained workers for Idaho business. 2. EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS: To be competitive in the world-wide economy and skilled labor for Idaho businesses it is important in meeting the statewide goal of 60% of high school graduates eventually acquiring a certificate, 2-year or 4-year degree. The Chamber supports the Legislature s continued implementation of education improvements. 3. BOISE STATE S CENTER FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE: Support $10 million from the Permanent Building Fund for the Center for Materials Science Building at Boise State University. A facility for materials science will elevate the program to national prominence and enhance the growth of high-tech science in Idaho. With $40 million from university and private donations, the total project cost would be $50 million. 4. EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES: The Chamber has supported prekindergarten legislation in the past and will review early learning proposals in the 2017 Legislature. More Idaho children need to be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten under a program that features parental choice, local control and collaborative funding. 5. 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. 6. BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY: Support Boise State University s mission to be a Metropolitan Research University through specific funding requests and facility appropriations. Potential funding requests could include engineering, computer science and nursing. The development of strong research infrastructure will ultimately benefit the regional economy and the goals of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP). 7. 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 Canyon County Campus and Ada County Campus. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. STEM ACTION CENTER: Support the initiatives of the Stem Action Canter to coordinate the statewide efforts of private industry and the State Department of Education, Idaho Career Technical Education and educators to support science, technology, engineering and math in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. 11. 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 POLICIES 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

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 Visser (R) rvisser@adaweb.net District 3 - Dave Case (R) dcase@adaweb.net CITY MAYORS Boise - Mayor David Bieter mayor@cityofboise.org Eagle - Mayor Stan Ridgeway sridgeway@cityofeagle.org Garden City - Mayor John Evans jevans@gardencityidaho.org Kuna - Mayor Joe Stear jstear@cityofkuna.com Meridian - Mayor Tammy de Weerd mayortammy@meridiancity.org Star - Mayor Chad Bell cbell@staridaho.org COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO (CWI) TRUSTEES Stan Bastian stanbastian@cwidaho.cc Mark Dunham markdunham@cwidaho.cc Mary (M.C.) Niland mcniland@cwidaho.cc Skip Smyser skipsmyser@cwidaho.cc Emily Walton emilywalton@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 Gayann DeMordaunt (R) gdemordaunt@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 Maryanne Jordan (D) mjordan@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 7

8 Live Large. Buy Local. You have questions about health insurance. We have answers. Blue Cross of Idaho was founded right here in Idaho in And, ever since then, we ve been serving more Idahoans than any other health insurance company in Idaho. bcidaho.com 2016 by Blue Cross of Idaho, 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 S. 5th St., Ste. 300, Boise, Idaho boisechamber.org bvep.org boise.org