Thirty-eight chambers of commerce around the state have joined forces to work on business-related legislation at the State Capitol during this legislative session. The Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley Chambers are part of this statewide coalition. Each year, the chambers develop a “Legislative Agenda for Arizo- na Business,” and distribute the agenda to every legislator as the session gets under way. As bills are introduced, lobbyists from the Arizona Chamber, Phoenix Chamber and others review each bill to see if they are of interest to the business community. If they fall under one of our agenda items, they are placed on a list of bills to watch as the legislative session pro- gresses.
All chambers of commerce that signed on to support the “Legislative Agenda” then have the opportunity each Friday afternoon to take part in a conference call, where updates on all priority bills are discussed and reviewed. If specific bills need attention, coalition letters are some- times put together and shared with the Legislature.
The “Legislative Agenda” is grouped into main topics such as “Maintain a Structur- ally Balanced Budget,” “Create a Competitive and Sustainable Economic Devel- opment Environment,” En-
courage Regulatory Account- ability,” “Maintain a Flexible, Readily Available & Competi- tive Workforce,” “Ensure Ample and Affordable Energy Supplies and Natural Re- sources,” “Improve Access to and Affordability of Healthcare Statewide,” “Secure Adequate Funding for Statewide Transportation Needs,” and “Initiative Re- form.”
The Agenda summarizes three business priorities prior to listing the main topics or groups. First is the need for fair tax, fee and fiscal policies that will attract new invest- ments and bring jobs to Ari- zona that are all treated with careful consideration as to the economic impact of each action. The second priority is a prepared workforce devel- oped through sound employ- ment practices and an educa- tion system that produces college or career-ready grad- uates that can compete glob- ally. The third and final prior- ity is a regulatory environ- ment that provides timeliness and certainty for businesses while allowing them to flour- ish without unduly burden- some regulations on business owners.
Each year, this united group of statewide chambers plays an active role in repre- senting the voice of business with the Legislature and the Governor.
For more information contact Tracie Schimikowsky, President and CEO of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, at 636-2493.
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