Rowan county chamber of commerce

FEDERAL legislative ISSUES AGENDA

2012 Priority Issues

Opposition to initiatives to eliminate employee freedom of choice, including union-backed proposals to abolish secret ballot elections in favor of card check majorities for union recognition.

Opposition to any efforts to mandate or require employers to provide  specific benefits.  Employers are encouraged to offer benefits consistent with their ability to afford them. Additionally, we oppose current mandated healthcare.  We prefer healthcare reform that includes cross state competition, tort reform and lower costs.

A comprehensive approach to solving the nation’s looming transportation infrastructure crisis (including continued reconstruction of Interstate 85). Specifically, advocate for a multi-modal and intermodal vision which increases capacity, reduces congestion and improves the efficient, safe and sustainable movement of goods and people throughout the country and world.

Permanent reform or elimination of the estate and inheritance tax and opposition to sun setting the current legislation.

         2012 Issues of Concern

Tax Code - We ask that a complete revision of the existing tax cod e b e considered including discussion of a flat tax rate or national sales tax.

Capital Gains Tax - We support making permanent the existing capital gains rate structure.

National Energy Policy - We support a National Energy Policy that aggressively supports securing available energy resources from North America to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels and provides incentives for the development of robust energy options including coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil and renewables that will provide sufficient cost effective energy resources for the continued growth of our national economy.

American Competitiveness - We support and encourage strategies for making American business more competitive in the global market.

Environmental Regulations - We oppose non-scientific regulations.  Any environmental regulations must be proven to be needed by scientific data and should be phased in allowing for the least economic impact on business and industry. 

Rowan county chamber of commerce

STATE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AGENDA

2012 Priority Issues

Reduction of tax and regulatory burdens on both businesses and individuals so North Carolina can remain competitive as a state. Additionally, we oppose the taxation of services.

Economic development initiatives that bring jobs to North Carolina , including incentives that keep North Carolina competitive with other states. When utilizing incentives, a balance should be maintained between new and existing industry of all sizes and cost vs. benefit.

2012 Issues of Concern

Tort Reform - We encourage the General Assembly to continue seeking meaningful Tort Reform.

State Energy Policy - We support a State Energy Policy that provides incentives for the development of robust energy options including coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil and renewables that will provide sufficient cost effective energy resources for the continued growth of our economy.

Highway Funding and Planning    - We ask that all Highway Trust Funds collected remain in the fund and not be transferred into the state’s general fund.  We also support maintaining local planning and prioritization of Transportation Improvement Projects.

North Carolina Community College Economic Development Programs - We recognize the critical role community colleges play in North Carolina ’s economic and workforce development. We oppose increased tuition rates for North Carolina Community Colleges and support budget flexibility for local community colleges to meet service needs. We also support provision of an annual community colleg e b udget based upon needs rather than on e b ased upon th e b udget from the previous year.

Interstate 85 - We will continue to monitor and push for progress on the modernization of Interstate 85.

Pro-Union Legislation - We oppose pro-union legislation including any that effect the public sector. North Carolina is a right-to-work state and we oppose any legislation that would jeopardize that designation.