For information on the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.blackfootchamber.org
BOISE METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2011 Legislative Priorities Following are issues of importance and the positions the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce has taken. To learn more please visit the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce website. Support Reducing the Corporate Income Tax
BONNERS FERRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2012 Legislative Priorities If you would like to learn more about the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website at www.bonnersferrychamber.com. Legislative priorities will be made available soon.
For information, please visit the Challis Chamber of Commerce.
COEUR D'ALENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Following are issues of importance and the positions the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce has taken. To learn more please visit the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce website. 2012 Legislative Agenda Transportation: The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce recognizes a significant need to expand and improve the State’s various commercial goods and services delivery infrastructure, including telecommunications, to support profitable and efficient commercial activities and public safety. The Chamber supports continued State funding to support these goals. The Chamber further supports the development of Regional Intermodal Transportation Hubs as a tool to enhance the economic vitality of our region and the State. Education: The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce recognizes the important role a quality education system plays in contributing to a healthy vibrant community. All levels of education serve to enhance our community and contribute to meeting the needs of our businesses. We support models for K through 12 Education that encourage local solutions, flexibility and control. We support equitable funding of the State’s community college system that allows for growth and local control. We support the expansion of the State’s higher education system into our local community. We are committed to the development of a sustainable skilled workforce, including an emphasis on professional/technical education, which contributes to our regional economic expansion. Economic Development, Job Creation & Business Expansion: The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce strongly believes that the key to a vibrant quality of life for all residents rests in a strong stable economy that provides opportunities for jobs growth and business expansion. We must be a State committed to commerce at both the legislative and administrative levels. We support the reduction of the State corporate income tax rate. We support the elimination of the personal property tax. We support legislation that creates incentives for job creation. We support the use of urban renewal districts to encourage expansion and provide jobs. We encourage the creation of other economic development tools such as dry port authorization and enterprise zone creation. We also support the State controlling compliance with the National Health Care Reform act by establishing a Health Insurance exchange or other methods of invigorating the health care market with an emphasis on private sector solutions. Environmental Issues: The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports the sustainable use and enjoyment of our abundant natural resources through responsible stewardship practices compatible with economic growth as determined by the owners of the property. We support the continued funding of the Lake Management Plan. We support realistic scientific solutions for all Clean Water Act permits. We believe that all actions taken in this realm must balance reasonable pollutant or other discharge levels with future growth and economic vitality. We believe Idaho primacy for the issuance of Clean Water Act permits must be considered by the State Legislature to assure protection of the private property and economic rights of Idahoans.
For information, please visit the Garden City Chamber of Commerce.
For information, please visit the Gem County Chamber of Commerce.
EAGLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Growth Growth needs to pay all infrastructure capital costs resulting from development as a matter of equity. Asking existing residents to pay the costs of growth from which they do not receive direct benefit is part of the growing tax burden on existing residents. Infrastructure costs covered by development should include at least: ~Public Safety buildings and equipment Transportation Allow cities to determine appropriate speed limits within their jurisdiction. Applying a generic formula is not always safe. Eagle, with growth using state and US highways within the city limits, has been particularly impacted. This request comes from the Eagle Chamber, City of Eagle, and County Sheriff’s contingent in Eagle. Continue to look for ways to relieve current traffic congestion: Highway 16 extension to I84; Three Cities Crossing; and I84 all need the support of the state to help find funding and ways to reduce existing problems from growth exceeding improvements. Education Education, at all levels, continues to need further enhancement to improve opportunities for our current and future workforce in Eagle and throughout the state. Development Cities need the ability to annex beyond existing areas of impact where there is no dispute between cities, appropriate planning has been done, and the owner(s) have requested annexation. Support for the proposed, multi-stage development of Eagle Island State Park.
For information, please visit the Jerome Chamber of Commerce.
GREATER IDAHO FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce advances the commercial, financial, educational, industrial, civic and social interests of our community. Each of these interests contributes to a vigorous economy and enhances the quality of life. Therefore, our Chamber supports the following initiatives and priorities: Local Control
Transportation/Infrastructure
Science, Technology and Energy
Arts and Cultural Tourism
Education—Invest in Idaho’s Future
Health & Human Services
Economic Development and Taxation
Agriculture
For information, please visit the Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Kuna Chamber of Commerce Following are issues of importance and the positions the Kuna Chamber of Commerce has taken. To learn more please visit the Kuna Chamber of Commerce website. Community Colleges We recognize the value of an enlarged professional-technical workforce in the Treasure Valley, educated locally to the needs of business and industrial enterprises establishing and expanding their operations in this area. We therefore encourage the community college initiatives being addressed by the Legislature, and support the funding of community colleges through a combination of private contributions, local-option taxes and the state general fund. Nursing Education SW Idaho and the State will benefit from actively implementing programs to increase healthcare/nursing enrollment. The Chamber supports the legislative appropriation in the amount of $5M to BSU to further accomplish this goal. Science and Technology Initiatives Because economic development hinges on access to information, we will support technological and scientific proposals that , if implemented, will allow our businesses to compete regionally, nationally and internationally. GARVEE Funding and Transportation We support a second round of funding via the GARVEE bonding process. We would also encourage the Legislature and the Idaho Transportation Department to consider enlarging, extending and improving Kuna-Mora Road to establish another east-west corridor from I-84 to Canyon County, Valley Regional Transportation Neither the Kuna City government nor the Chamber has discovered any significant benefits which would accrue to the residents of Kuna via the current proposal of VRT. Consequently, we cannot support an additional layer of property tax on our residents and businesses at this time. However, we will continue to monitor this initiative in the future.
For information, please visit the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce.
MERIDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Education Issues Transportation Issues Support Local Funding Options for Regional Transportation Transportation Funding Taxation Issues Support the Retention of Sales Tax Exemptions. State Conformance with Federal Tax Law Personal Property Tax Municipal Issues Environmental Issues Issues we will be monitoring:
For information, please visit the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce.
For information, please visit the Moscow Chamber of Commerce.
NAMPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Following are issues of importance and the positions the Nampa Chamber of Commerce has taken. To learn more please visit the Nampa Chamber of Commerce website. Funding for the College of Western Idaho The newly formed College of Western Idaho will be a catalyst for community and economic development providing training necessary for good jobs and good wages in the valley along with life long learning opportunities. Accessible, affordable education is critical. The Chamber supports continued state funding for the newly formed College of Western Idaho for operations as well as all levels to support the ability to provide a well trained work force. Transportation Issues Support Third-Year Approval of GARVEE Bonding for Transportation:
Local Funding Options: The Chamber supports approval of local option legislation funding for public transportation, local highways, roads and bridges to fund long range transportation plans for the area’s 2-county public transportation authority. Local taxes are a necessary funding source since federal funds are decreasing. Enhanced public transportation is critical to meeting the economic development needs of Canyon County and the Valley. Legislative approval is needed for the recommendations from the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council. Our area’s air shed needs to remain within EPA standards for ozone and fine particulate matter by controlling emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile air compounds. The Council’s recommendations include enhanced public education, vehicle emission testing, vapor recovery at gas stations, uniform air quality ordinances, integrated land use and transportation planning and collection of regional air quality data.
Agribusiness Issues The Nampa & Caldwell Chambers of Commerce recognize that diversified agriculture is one of the major components of the economy of Canyon County, the State of Idaho, and the U.S. and therefore; should be assisted to function in an atmosphere that enables it to compete profitably in worldwide markets.
GREATER POCATELLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Commerce, Industry, Transportation and Etc. Legislation and regulation that promotes a healthy business climate to protect existing business and to promote economic development is critical to the success, growth and retention of business in the Greater Pocatello area. Transportation: The Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce recognizes the need for good roads and highways in Idaho for commerce, to enhance economic development, and to meet the daily transportation needs of average Idahoans. We support increased funding using a progressive, graduated, broad based approach to provide the needed dollars to repair and maintain our highways and infrastructure. Energy: We recognize the need to provide low cost energy for Idaho's businesses and residents. It is our goal to be as energy independent as possible as a state. Therefore, we support the aggressive development of hydropower, nuclear energy, fossil fuels, clean coal, wind, solar, geothermal, and other sources in an environmentally responsible manner while minimizing legislative and regulatory obstacles to meet the growing energy needs of Idaho. Economic Development: We support economic development incentives and projects to benefit our state and communities to help businesses compete both nationally and internationally. Those include the continuation of TIF/Urban Renewal Districts, the complete phase-out of the personal property tax, support of the research and clean-up activities of the Idaho National Laboratory, support of the medical mission of Idaho State University, and authorization of revenue and funding for auditorium district projects and programs. Regulation: If our economy is to rebound and truly thrive in these trying economic times, an environment that stimulates a healthy business climate must be created. This will only occur through brave and visionary legislative discipline that will lead us through present challenges and on to an era of long-lasting prosperity. With that in mind, we strongly encourage the minimization of current and future legislative and regulatory rules that (1) serve as obstacles to responsible growth, (2) serve as platforms for near-endless legal challenges, and/or (3) impede current and future business development. Taxes The Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce recognizes the need to have a fair and equitable tax code that enhances the business climate in Idaho while maintaining critical services to its citizens. We support legislation that allows local option taxation. Education/Health The development of a well-trained and trainable workforce is critical to the success, growth, recruitment and retention of business in the Greater Pocatello area. The area’s businesses support public schools through property and income taxes. Therefore, business has a stake in the continuous improvement of Idaho’s public school system K-12 and higher education. Business also has a stake in the success and continuous improvement of health care to support a healthy community, business retention and growth, the health sciences mission at Idaho State University, and to bring a regional customer base into the area. This contributes significantly to the economic vitality and sustainability of the community. Education positions Health care positions
For information, please visit the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce.
For information, please visit the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce. REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE ISSUES 1. Water Law - Dams, Flow Augmentation and Endangered Species Issues The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce believes we should be prepared for renewed efforts by the federal government to assert control over our state’s water resources. W e continue to oppose flow augmentation by using water from the Upper Snake River Valley system until a sound scientific basis exists for the practice. If required, augmentation should only be approved on a willing buyer/willing seller basis pursuant to state law. We also oppose dam breaching as an overly simplistic and ill-conceived response to a complicated problem, especially in light of recent Biological Opinions. We believe that oceanic environmental factors, predation and over-fishing are posing the greatest threats to Salmon and Steelhead recovery. W e also favor recognition of hatchery fish, with identical genetic composition to wild fish, in making determinations concerning listing or de-listing species. W e oppose listings based on arbitrary distinctions, such as so-called “Evolutionary Significant Units.” 2. Legislative Redistricting - The 6 members of the Redistricting Committee will soon be chosen to draft a redistricting plan based on the 2010 census. The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce believes that Eastern Idaho must be appropriately represented on the Redistricting Committee. 3. Funding CAES and the Idaho National Laboratory - The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce continues to support the Idaho National Laboratory in general and encourages the Department of Energy to fund the Idaho National Laboratory’s research and development missions as well as its cleanup obligation. 4. Urban Renewal Districts (URDs) - The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce believes that Urban Renewal Districts are a useful tool that can help local governments encourage growth and renewal. It supports their continued existence and responsible use. The Rexburg Area Chamber recognizes that there is some opposition to the use of URDs and that the Idaho legislature may need to amend the URD statutes to ensure that URDs continue to be viable tools for local governments. 5. E-Commerce and Internet Sales Tax - We Support Idaho Taking a Position for a Simple, Fair and Uniform Tax System The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the State of Idaho in participating in nationwide efforts to adopt a simple and uniform sales tax and use tax system to facilitate adoption of a sales tax on Internet sales (“streamlined sales tax”). We believe that fair and reasonable taxation of e-commerce is necessary to ensure a level playing field for our local businesses. 6. Support for Education – ISU and EITC The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce supports the continued funding of both primary and secondary education. An educated work force is vital to bringing new companies to Eastern Idaho. W e believe that we are in a unique situation with the proximity and collaboration between ISU, EITC, and BYU-Idaho. We believe that state investments in education – particularly in health care at ISU and vocational training at EITC – will pay dividends to our businesses and communities by creating a more capable work force and attracting new companies to our area. 7. Opposed to Pornography - The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce believes that pornography is a plague that not only destroys families, but it also drains dollars from business owners as employees spend time accessing it at work. Recent medical research has documented the physical and developmental problems which occur from this scourge. We ask the Idaho Legislature to pass proposed Internet filter legislation for libraries which would provide a minimum protection for Idaho children from harmful indecent and obscene materials via the Internet, within the parameters of the First Amendment. 8. State Parks and the Tourism Industry The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce is extremely concerned by the possibility of additional cuts to Eastern Idaho state parks. The Chamber appreciates the current budget challenges and supports efforts to make our state parks more efficient. However, tourism is a vital part of Idaho’s economy and the state’s third largest industry. Many individuals and business in Fremont, Madison, and surrounding counties depend on tourists visiting the state parks. The Chamber encourages the legislature to avoid any measures that will harm the local tourism industry in the years to come. The Chamber encourages the legislature to avoid anything that could put the existence or ownership of Harriman State Park in doubt or result in costly litigation. LOCAL PRIORITIES AND CONCERNS 1. Addressing the natural gas shortage in Rexburg and all of Eastern Idaho Intermountain Gas has capped their secondary natural gas line at Shelley. As a result, Rexburg does not have access to sufficient natural gas to meets its needs. This also affects Idaho Falls and all communities east of Shelley and is hurting economic development. BYU-Idaho has approached Intermountain Gas about converting its heating system to natural gas and has been told that the current lines do not have the capacity. The Rexburg area continues to grow at a remarkable rate, however, its ability to attract large employers with good paying jobs will be limited without access to a sufficient supply of natural gas. The Rexburg Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the city of Rexburg in its work with the Public Utilities Commission, Intermountain Gas, and the Idaho legislature to address the shortage. 2. Support for the Idaho International Dance and Music Festival The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 26 annual 2011 Idaho th International Dance and Music Festival from July 28th through August 6th in Rexburg and Burley. As hosts of Idaho’s greatest multi-cultural festival, we encourage the state to continue its strong support of this important event. W e appreciate the Department of Commerce’s past and current support of the Festival, which not only promotes tourism statewide, but also promotes culture, international brotherhood, understanding and peace. 3. Water – Aquifer Management Issues On peak days the City of Rexburg is currently using nearly all of its municipal water rights. Rexburg, Sugar City, and other area municipalities need more water. However, current regulations make it very difficult and costly for area municipalities to obtain additional municipal water rights necessary for growth. The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce believes that the Legislature should ensure that municipalities in Eastern Idaho are able to obtain the water they need. The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce supports the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Process and encourages the state to continue to fund and support it. We also believe that local municipalities need to be actively involved in the process and encourage them to participate, including assisting with funding as appropriate.
For information, please visit the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.
Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce The Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce representing more than 880 companies, organizations, and individuals supports a fair and balanced approach to taxation and encourages innovation, creativity, and collaboration to increase revenue opportunities, improve efficiency, and contain expenses in the operation of government. SUPPORT TAX RELIEF FOR BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUALS:
The economic growth that can be spurred by this tax relief to Idaho businesses will help to off-set revenue reduction to the State. The Chamber also supports additional opportunities to off-set revenue reduction including elimination of the Investment Tax Credit. SUPPORT LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AUTHORITY: SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:
SUPPORT IDAHO-CREATED HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE:
SUPPORT EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE PROGRAMS:
SUPPORT PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF IDAHO’S WATER RESOURCES: SUPPORT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR DEVELOPERS: SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES OF IDAHO STATE POLICE: |