THE F O L LO WING A RE STAN DI N G POSI TI ON S TAKEN THRO U G H THE C H A MBE R ’S BU S INESS ADVOCACY PROCESS. ALL POSI TI O N S HAVE BE EN A DO PT E D B Y THE CHAMB ER’S B OARD OF DI RE CTO RS.
Business Creation, Recruitment, Retention and Expansion
Support legislation that will help the region to attract quality business, industry and jobs to the area and to expand existing business and industry.
Comprehensive Tax Reform
Advocate for comprehensive state-wide tax reform measures that ensure fairness, stability, predictability, accountability and compliance while equitably balancing income, property and sales tax levies based proportionally on necessary services and the ability to pay.
Education and Workforce Development
Advocate the changes necessary in early childhood, K-12 and higher education to prepare all students for the careers of the future and to provide a skilled workforce to support the region’s employers.
Environment and Energy
Environmental legislation regulation should not unnecessarily increase the administrative burden, resulting in unnecessary regulations, project delays or cost prohibitiveness to businesses.
Healthcare
Work to reduce healthcare costs for business, as rising costs directly impacts operating budgets.
Hospitality
The continued vitality of the visitor industry is critical to support the thousands of hospitality-based businesses operating in the region.
Military and Federal Facilities Retention and Expansion
The Military Policy Council works closely with the entire South Carolina congressional delegation on retaining the 22,000 jobs associated with the region’s military facilities, and expanding the region’s $4.67 billion military/federal presence by seeking additional missions and expansion opportunities.
Port Development
Support the continued growth and expansion of South Carolina’s port.
Regional Land Use Planning/Workforce Housing
Continue to promote our Sustainable Growth Ethic which involves building on prosperity through the principles of Choice, Balance and Stewardship. Our vision is to grow in a manner that improves the quality of life for all citizens in the metro area, including those yet to be born or those who move here.
Regulatory
Advocate for a business climate that is conducive to business expansion. The regulatory environment of the state must be balanced and not burdensome for business.
Immigration Reform
Support comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level to ensure a uniform approach.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Modern, up-to-date infrastructure must be maintained for the region to effectively compete in the global marketplace. Without the ability to move goods and services to customers, businesses cannot compete and succeed.
for a detailed version with full background, visit
www.charlestonchamber.net/legislative-agenda #CHASADVOCACY
STATE PRIORITIES Infrastructure
•S uccessfully lobby the state legislature for long-term comprehensive funding solution for our state’s decaying infrastructure.
Talent
•S ecure the final $16 million in state funding to build the Aeronautical Training Center at Trident Technical College. • Pass needed legislation to grant University of Charleston R1 status. •E ncourage collaboration among the state’s colleges and universities to fill the local higher education gaps.
Military Base Retention and Expansion
• Support the exemption of military retirement income benefits from SC income tax.
FEDERAL PRIORITIES Military Base Retention and Expansion
• L obby the Department of Defense to re-evaluate its decision on the location of Africa Command to Joint Base Charleston.
Regulatory
• Advocate against an over-burdensome regulatory environment for business from such agencies and organizations as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Labor Relations Board. • Support legislation that limits overreach of the Clean Water Act.
Talent
• Lobby Congress for comprehensive immigration reform.
Transportation and Infrastructure
• Support continued funding for Post-45 Charleston Harbor Deepening project.
LOCAL PRIORITIES Transportation and Infrastructure
• Advance the Chamber’s 18 infrastructure priorities for our region including: – Completion of I-526 – Glenn McConnell Extension •S upport expansion projects for the Port of Charleston including the completion of the cruise terminal and Post-45 Harbor Deepening. • Support the development of Bus Rapid Transit for our region.
Regulatory
• Reform local government processes to expedite approvals for business. •W ork with local municipalities to streamline the development process reducing the time and costs to the developer and consumer. • Advocate the mission of our Partnership for Responsible Growth coalition and its call for local governments to honor their zoning and development regulations in considering and siting new residential, commercial, office and industrial development projects.
Talent
• I mplement a regional Career Awareness Campaign to showcase high demand occupations to build the needed talent pipeline to support future growth. •E ngage business with local college career offices to work to retain local college graduates in the region. • Support the Tri-County Cradle-to-Career Initiative linking high school and college readiness. •S upport the continued development and expansion of Career Academies in all area public high schools. • I ncrease both the number of and enrollment in High School Youth Apprenticeships/ Workforce Academies. • Increase the pipeline of computer tech skills in the region through building career awareness.
Entrepreneurs/Small Business/Innovation
• Build regional seed/early stage funding sources. • Ensure the region’s regulatory environment supports business growth.