2018 FEDERAL PRIORITIES
T O O U R F E D E R A L D E L E G AT I O N : From Silicon Slopes to downtown Salt Lake City and Washington County to Weber County, Utah’s economic success is palpable. While challenges exist and important work is still to be done, Utahns have proven that an industrious spirit coupled with collaboration and compromise lead to extraordinary results. In this same “Utah way,” we encourage you, our congressional leaders, to collaborate with partners in the public and private sector and work across the aisle to advance federal solutions that strengthen our state’s economic prosperity and quality of life. This document represents the business community’s priorities for Congress in the upcoming year. We ask for your help and expertise in shepherding quality legislation that aligns with the outlined topics. Action on these key federal priorities such as trade, immigration and regulation reform will have a direct, positive impact on Utah’s small businesses, labor force and competitive economy. Now is the time to act and we, as representatives of Utah’s business community, stand ready to assist you in your efforts. We thank you for your leadership and commitment to the betterment of our nation and state, and appreciate your willingness to work in conjunction with Utah’s business community. Sincerely,
Derek Miller, President & CEO
Steve Starks, 2018-2019 Board Chair
WE ENCOURAGE YOU AS OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS TO C O L L A B O R AT E W I T H PA R T N E R S I N T H E P U B L I C A N D P R I V AT E S E C T O R AND WORK ACROSS THE AISLE TO ADVANCE FEDERAL SOLUTIONS T H AT S T R E N G T H E N O U R S TAT E ’ S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
I M M I G R AT I O N As a nation of immigrants, the United States should always be a place that welcomes people of good will, and our laws should reflect our shared values. Continuing with the current broken immigration system leads to economic uncertainty. For Utah businesses, this is not acceptable. We urge Utah’s federal delegation to lead the way in advancing comprehensive immigration reform consistent with the principles included in the Utah Compact: strengthen families, support economic growth, focus law enforcement efforts on serious crime and uphold our values as a free society. The critical need for immigration reform is felt acutely among businesses, especially within Utah’s tight labor market. Immigrants make up one in nine Utah workers and are essential to every sector of our economy. Immigration reform will assist in continuing economic growth and providing the predictability businesses need to ensure they have the skilled workforce necessary to compete. Bipartisan reforms to our immigration system include commonsense proposals to secure the border security while avoiding reduction of legal immigration. Limiting legal immigration would, in effect, reduce Utah’s GDP by $686 million in 2028. Now is the time to act on immigration reform to better serve the nation’s economic interests. Doing so will strengthen our workforce, enhance our small business ecosystem, improve our local communities and renew America’s legacy of being an open and welcoming country.
W E U R G E U TA H ’ S F E D E R A L D E L E G AT I O N T O L E A D T H E W A Y I N A D V A N C I N G C O M P R E H E N S I V E I M M I G R AT I O N R E F O R M C O N S I S T E N T W I T H T H E P R I N C I P L E S I N C L U D E D I N T H E U TA H C O M PA C T.
I M M I G R A N T S M A K E U P 1 I N 9 U TA H W O R K E R S . E F F E C T O F C U T S T O L E G A L I M M I G R AT I O N W O U L D R E D U C E U TA H ’ S GDP BY $686 MILLION IN 2028. *SOURCE:
U.S. CHAMBER
TRADE Utah is a globally minded and internationally sophisticated state. In fact, we are the only state who can boast positive export growth throughout the last recession and whose exports have doubled over the past ten years. Trade is a vital piece of Utah’s economy and is essential to the success of our small businesses. Nearly 3,500 businesses in Utah export, with almost 3,000 being small and medium sized businesses. Exports contributed 7% to Utah’s GDP in 2017 and supported 22% of all Utah jobs. Global trade does more than just create and support jobs; it also helps retain a skilled workforce through competitively higher wages.
Utah businesses need free markets, fair trading practices and the stability and predictability that come with strong trade agreements. We rely on our elected leaders to make good trade agreements that can be used as a stable foundation for business dealings overseas. These businesses ask Congress to assert its role in modernizing NAFTA as well as ensuring a legal framework is in place if other trade agreements, like the TPP or the TTIP, are pulled. Our small businesses need rules‑based trading and they look to the U.S. Government and Members of Congress to establish rules that give them the predictability and stability they need to be successful.
Despite Utah’s dominance as a trade state, current tariffs set us back. Whether it’s our rural farmers or advanced manufacturers, businesses of every size and within every industry are hurt by tariffs, as they raise costs and add uncertainty to the market. If current tariffs continue, our economy will suffer. These actions put families and business at risk, and threaten to undermine the ongoing success of our economy.
W E A S K C O N G R E S S T O A S S E R T I T S R O L E I N M O D E R N I Z I N G N A F TA AS WELL AS ENSURING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS IN PLACE IF O T H E R T R A D E A G R E E M E N T S , L I K E T H E T P P O R T H E T T I P, A R E PULLED. 3 , 5 0 0 U TA H C O M PA N I E S E X P O R T O F W H I C H N E A R LY 8 5 % A R E S M A L L B U S I N E S S . E X P O R T S C O N T R I B U T E D 7 % T O U TA H ’ S G D P I N 2 0 1 7 . 2 2 % O F U TA H J O B S A R E S U P P O R T E D B Y T R A D E . * S O U R C E : W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R U TA H
H E A LT H & E N T I T L E M E N T REFORM Last December, Congress passed tax reform legislation providing an economic boost to both businesses and individuals across the nation. While we commend Congress for this action on tax reform, the legislation did not address a vital piece of policy which contributes to our nation’s economic dependability and workforce productivity–health care and entitlement reform. Health care is a consistent concern for businesses. High costs and low health market options constrain an employer’s ability to strengthen their workforce, expand the economy and create long-term fiscal stability. Currently, our health systems and entitlement programs neglect to provide simple, affordable, accessible and high quality services to Americans. Congress and the private sector must act together to promote alternative systems and solutions. We call upon Congress to continue the work of tax reform by revising our entitlement and health care programs in order to provide equitable, efficient services to those who need it most. We also call upon Congress to address our nation’s prevalent opioid epidemic, as it impacts the personal lives of Utah’s workforce and drives up health care costs. These efforts will ensure Utah maintains its competitive, thriving economy.
WE CALL UPON CONGRESS TO CONTINUE THE WORK O F TA X R E F O R M BY REVISING OUR ENTITLEMENT A N D H E A LT H C A R E PROGRAMS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE E Q U I TA B L E , EFFICIENT SERVICES TO THOSE WHO NEED I T M O S T.
R O U G H LY 6 1 % O F U TA H N S P U R C H A S E H E A LT H C A R E THROUGH THEIR EMPLOYERS, MORE THAN THE US A V E R A G E O F 4 9 % . *SOURCE:
U TA H F O U N D AT I O N
OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS, ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS W I L L G R O W B Y $ 7 8 0 B I L L I O N . T H E T O TA L P R I C E W I L L S O A R T O $ 3 . 2 T R I L L I O N A Y E A R . *SOURCE:
U.S. CHAMBER
R E G U L AT I O N Small business is the lifeblood of Utah’s economy and should not be held back by unnecessary regulations. While regulations to ensure workplace safety and protect public health are necessary, compliance costs, complex rules and a $2 trillion price tag clearly prove that our regulatory system isn’t working the way it should. Utah deserves a regulatory system that is fair for everyone, takes into account the views of communities and businesses, evaluates the impact rules will have on jobs and small businesses, and protects our economic and personal freedoms.
C O N G R E S S M U S T TA K E BACK THIS CONTROL BY PA S S I N G T H E R E G U L AT O R Y A C C O U N TA B I L I T Y A C T.
Over the decades, Congress has delegated law-making authority, in the form of rulemaking, to federal agencies. As agencies receive more delegated authority, their rules became more aggressive and overreaching. With over 190,000 regulations put on the books just since 1976, roughly 4,760 each year, our regulatory environment is out of control. Congress must take back this control by passing the Regulatory Accountability Act. The Regulatory Accountability Act will help Congress reclaim its authority to ensure agencies implement its laws, by requiring agencies to be transparent when a rulemaking involves the costliest of regulations. This process would put balance and accountability back into the federal rulemaking process, without undermining needed public safety and health protections.
190, 0 0 0 FE DE R A L R E GUL ATI ON S H AVE B E E N PUT O N THE BOOKS S IN CE 1 9 7 6 . *SOURCE: U.S. CHAMBER
44% O F B USINE SSE S SPEND AT LEAST 40 H OURS A YEAR D EA L ING W ITH FE DE R A L R E G UL ATI ON S. * S O U R C E : N AT I O N A L S M A L L B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N
ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES INFRASTRUCTURE Transportation has and should remain a bipartisan issue garnering support from Congress. Unfortunately, our transportation system hasn’t been fully funded in decades leaving one of America’s most valued assets crumbling. Congress should act to provide a long-term, stable funding source that states can rely upon to plan for the future. Congress should also investigate leveraging up to $250 billion in private capital to accelerate our nation’s much needed infrastructure projects.
ENERGY Utah is an extremely diverse energy state with its reserves of natural gas, petroleum and coal and renewable resources including solar, wind and geothermal. These resources greatly contribute to our state’s economy and must be sustained. To ensure this takes place, Congress should work to diversify our nation’s energy portfolio, modernize our energy policies and promote energy independence.
MEDICAL CANNABIS The federal government has neglected its role regarding marijuana legislation. As a result, states are passing laws to legalize marijuana, including ballot measures for recreational and/or medical use. We urge lawmakers to quickly put into place a federal legal framework to allow for timely and responsible medical cannabis treatment, safeguard the public interest, and address potential impacts to the business community such as banking and insurance regulation and an impaired workforce.
U TA H ’ S L E A D E R S H I P I N WASHINGTON, D.C. In Washington, influence matters. Utah is fortunate to have some of the most influential leadership in the country. The business community recognizes and is grateful for the work and influence of Utah’s federal delegation, our governor, business leaders serving on national boards, and the Salt Lake Chamber’s leadership team.
U TA H I S F O R T U N AT E T O HAVE SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADERSHIP I N T H E C O U N T R Y.
UTAH’S SENIOR SENATOR Senator Orrin Hatch President Pro Tempore Chairman, Senate Finance Committee
UTAH’S JUNIOR SENATOR Senator Mike Lee Vice Chairman, Joint Economic Committee Chairman, Senate Steering Committee Member, Judiciary Committee
UTAH’S 1st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Congressman Rob Bishop Chair, House Natural Resources Committee Member, House Committee on Armed Services
UTAH’S 2nd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Congressman Chris Stewart Member, House Appropriations Committee Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
UTAH’S 3rd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Congressman John Curtis Member, Foreign Affairs Committee Member, Small Business Committee Member, House Committee on Natural Resources
UTAH’S 4th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Congresswoman Mia Love Member, House Committee on Financial Services
PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE We actively work with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization, to advance shared priorities important to Utah businesses and galvanize our voice in Washington, D.C.
R E C O G N I Z I N G O U R F E D E R A L D E L E G AT I O N The U.S. Chamber annually releases their How They Voted scorecard that recognizes those members of Congress that voted on critical business issues. All six of Utah’s congressional delegation received this year’s honor. The U.S. Chamber scored members on 7 Senate votes and 14 House votes all dealing with issues critical to the business community. Members who supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes qualify for the award. We, along with our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, applaud Utah’s federal delegation for being true ambassadors of the best state for business.
CYBERSECURITY In the spring of 2017, we partnered with the U.S. Chamber to host a Cybersecurity Conference aimed to help small and mid-size businesses develop, evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity programs. The initial conference hosted 280 attendees. Since this partnership, we have continued to develop a cybersecurity initiative and created the Salt Lake Chamber Cybersecurity Leadership Council, which hosts an annual conference. The 2018 conference attendees nearly doubled from the year before. As a result of this collaboration and success, the U.S. Chamber has recognized our cybersecurity leadership council initiatives as an example for other state chambers of commerce to emulate.
OTHER EFFORTS Our partnership with the U.S. Chamber extends beyond these highlights. We work together to advocate for policy on a state and federal level that will benefit Utah businesses. We appreciate the support and partnership the U.S. Chamber gives to Utah’s state chamber association as well as their presence and expertise at our various national-focused events.
F E AT U R E D H I G H L I G H T S U TA H S M A L L B U S I N E S S O N T H E N AT I O N A L L E V E L In June 2018, Derek B. Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, testified before the U.S. House Small Business Committee at the “Communities That Think Small and Win Big” hearing. The purpose of the hearing was to highlight communities that have developed thriving small business ecosystems. In his testimony, Miller highlighted four areas fundamental to Utah’s economic success: strong and educated workforce, low taxes and reasonable regulation, small business incentives and international trade.
U TA H E C O N O M I C O U T L O O K & P U B L I C P O L I C Y S U M M I T The Utah Economic Outlook and Public Policy Summit is the state’s premier economic forecasting and public policy event attended by over 1,000 business, policy and academic thought leaders from across the state. This year’s keynote speaker was Governor Mitt Romney. The summit presents an unrivaled opportunity for attendees to gain insight about the future of our state and national economy and also have a solid understanding of the business community’s policy priorities as Utah begins its legislative session.
S A LT L A K E C H A M B E R ’ S A N N U A L W A S H I N G T O N , D . C . T R I P
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Roundtable with Senator Orrin Hatch Roundtable with Congresswoman Mia Love Roundtable with Congressman Rob Bishop Roundtable with Senator Mike Lee THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Roundtable with Congressman John Curtis Roundtable with Congressman Chris Stewart Tracks: Option 1 | Tour the Riverfront “Front” Development Project Option 2 | George Mason University Mercatus Center
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 The Inland Port Economic Engine Cathie Vick, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Virginia Port Authority Hail to the Chiefs: A Discussion With the Chiefs of Staff of Utah’s Federal Delegation Social Capital: Why Does Associational Life Matter? Natalie Gochnour, Salt Lake Chamber Chief Economist, and Scott Winship, Director of the Social Capital Project, Joint Economic Committee Midterm Elections Update with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Speaker: National Security Council Speaker: White House Public Affairs Office SPONSORED BY
We h a v e p u t t o g e t h e r a m o b i l e G u i d e b o o k t h a t i n c l u d e s d e t a i l e d d e s c r i p t i o n s o f e a c h e v e n t as well as Google maps, speaker bios and the attendee list. This app is the easiest way to keep up-to-date on any changes to the itinerar y and will be updated daily while we are i n t h e c i t y. O n c e y o u h a v e d o w n l o a d e d t h e a p p s e a r c h f o r S a l t L a k e C h a m b e r Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . Tr i p 2 0 1 8 a n d d o w n l o a d t h e t r i p g u i d e . Yo u w i l l a l s o f i n d s t a f f c e l l p h o n e c o n t a c t information under the information section of the app.
ANNUAL WASHIN GTON, D.C. TRIP
QUESTIONS? Abby Osborne, VP of Public Policy & Government Relations | aosborne@slchamber.com | 801-831-6116