public policy

The Chamber's Legislative Committee

How We Advocate for Your Business During the Legislative Session

Step 1 - The Legislative Committee Reconvenes

The Chamber’s Legislative Committee meets in the Fall each year in preparation for the annual Florida legislative session. This year, the Committee began meeting in September to prepare for the January 2024 start of session. The Committee meets weekly to develop a platform of state and federal priorities for the Chamber's Board consideration.

Step 2 - Other Committees Weigh In

The Chamber has multiple committees including Downtown Redevelopment, Education & Workforce Partnerships, Healthcare, Natural Resources, and Transportation that hone in on specific topics throughout the year. These committees offer valuable insight on issues that impact businesses and our community, policies that influence economic growth, and ideas that foster the potential of our members to expand and grow their businesses.

Step 3 - Legislative Priorities Are Established

The Legislative Committee uses the information shared from many sources to develop the draft State and Federal Business Agenda to present to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for approval. This Agenda establishes the Chamber’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

Step 4 - Pancakes & Politics

Before the legislative session begins, the Chamber hosts the annual Pancakes & Politics event. This is an opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast while hearing members of our local legislative delegation discuss their priorities for the upcoming legislative session, the state budget, and address your questions.

Before the legislative session begins, the Chamber hosts the annual Pancakes & Politics event. This is an opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast while hearing members of our local legislative delegation discuss their priorities for the upcoming legislative session, the state budget, and address your questions.

Lobbying in Tallahassee

Chamber Board, staff, and Legislative Committee members take an annual lobbying trip to Tallahassee to discuss the Chamber’s legislative priorities with elected officials and key agency leaders. After the trip, the Chamber’s Legislative Committee continues to monitor the legislative session and keep Chamber members informed when the Chamber’s prioritized legislation is considered.

Politics & Pints

ADVOCACY and PUBLIC POLICY

Step 5 2023 Business Resiliency & Taxation The Manatee Chamber supports the expansion attainable housing solutions for our workforce and residents’ housing needs as well as legislation that provides stability and capacity the property insurance market reform litigation, reduce costs, remove burdensome regulations, and increase competition. Economic Development The Manatee Chamber supports the marketing of Florida as business location for corporations and as premier destination for visitors. We support initiatives that encourage and promote economic growth through business development. Education and Workforce Innovation The Manatee Chamber supports improved access quality early learning opportunities, appropriate per-student funding VPK-12, higher education initiatives that create greater access skills training and post-secondary attainment, and investments in workforce education programs in STEM and other high demand fields meeting critical employment needs. Health and Workforce Wellness The Manatee Chamber supports legislation that positively impacts access care and outcomes, including innovative programs, pilot projects, and new technology. We also support measures to encourage additional medical residency slots Florida, creating pipeline solve the healthcare workforce shortage. Natural Resources The Manatee Chamber supports initiatives that improve water quality, reduces harmful algae blooms, and legislative that creates more transparent regulatory process. Transportation and Infrastructure The Manatee Chamber supports legislation protecting the Florida Transportation Trust Fund, cooperative funding for the replacement of the DeSoto Bridge and increased capacity on the Fort Hamer Bridge, as well expansion north-south and east-west corridors in Manatee County.

After the legislative session ends, the Chamber hosts its annual Politics & Pints event. This is your chance to network and hear from our delegation about bills that passed and what priorities they will continue to advocate for our community.

For more information on the Legislative Committee or involvement with another committee or task force, contact Nzinga Barnette at NzingaB@ManateeChamber.com or 941-748-4842 ext. 235.Step 5 2023 Business Resiliency & Taxation The Manatee Chamber supports the expansion attainable housing solutions for our workforce and residents’ housing needs as well as legislation that provides stability and capacity the property insurance market reform litigation, reduce costs, remove burdensome regulations, and increase competition. Economic Development The Manatee Chamber supports the marketing of Florida as business location for corporations and as premier destination for visitors. We support initiatives that encourage and promote economic growth through business development. Education and Workforce Innovation The Manatee Chamber supports improved access quality early learning opportunities, appropriate per-student funding VPK-12, higher education initiatives that create greater access skills training and post-secondary attainment, and investments in workforce education programs in STEM and other high demand fields meeting critical employment needs. Health and Workforce Wellness The Manatee Chamber supports legislation that positively impacts access care and outcomes, including innovative programs, pilot projects, and new technology. We also support measures to encourage additional medical residency slots Florida, creating pipeline solve the healthcare workforce shortage. Natural Resources The Manatee Chamber supports initiatives that improve water quality, reduces harmful algae blooms, and legislative that creates more transparent regulatory process. Transportation and Infrastructure The Manatee Chamber supports legislation protecting the Florida Transportation Trust Fund, cooperative funding for the replacement of the DeSoto Bridge and increased capacity on the Fort Hamer Bridge, as well expansion north-south and east-west corridors in Manatee County.

Step 5 - Lobbying in Tallahassee

Chamber Board, staff, and Legislative Committee members take an annual lobbying trip to Tallahassee to discuss the Chamber’s legislative priorities with elected officials and key agency leaders. After the trip, the Chamber’s Legislative Committee continues to monitor the legislative session and keep Chamber members informed when the Chamber’s prioritized legislation is considered.

Step 6 - Politics & Pints

After the legislative session ends, the Chamber hosts its annual Politics & Pints event. This is your chance to network and hear from our delegation about bills that passed and what priorities they will continue to advocate for our community.

For more information on the Legislative Committee or involvement with another committee or task force, contact Nzinga Barnette at NzingaB@ManateeChamber.com or 941-748-4842 ext. 235.