2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER
JEFF MULZER Chairman, Board of Directors
CHRISTY GILLENWATER President & CEO
JUSTIN GROENERT Director, Public Policy & Government Relations
BEN WILLS Director, Marketing & Communications
HANNAH THEIRING Graphic Designer
OVERVIEW HOW WE IMPACT OUR REGION THROUGH ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY: • We positively impact regional, state, and federal issues relevant to the business community • We improve multi-modal regional transportation infrastructure to foster business growth • We effectively communicate our public policy efforts to increase grassroots participation • We advocate on behalf of our members and the greater business community to ensure our region continues to thrive BIG WINS FROM THE 2015 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: • Billed as a unique collaboration between leading healthcare and education systems, House Bill 1001 provides funding for the construction of the Multi-Institution Academic Health Science Research Center in Downtown Evansville. • As the Crossroads of America, Indiana’s robust infrastructure supports a healthy economy. House Bill 1036 removes a requirement that the General Assembly enact a statute authorizing the construction of Interstate 69 in Perry Township before construction can begin in that geographic area. • Opportunities are vast for Indiana’s Great Southwest. Quality of place projects that attract and retain talent will get a boost from House Bill 1403, which provides funding support for transformational projects. • As one of the region’s top amenities and strongest community partners, Tropicana Evansville has the ability to remain competitive in a changing environment and continue attracting visitors. House Bill 1540 authorizes riverboats to move inland to existing property. An expansion at Tropicana in Downtown Evansville can have a huge impact on our region.
OUR FOCUS THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION: ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE EDUCATION & WORKFORCE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY STATE & FEDERAL POLICIES
Read further to explore these issues that play a crucial role in the strength of our business community, shape our environment, and allow for a thriving region.
2016
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
FEDERAL PRIORITIES • •
Tax Reform Federal Regulations
• •
Medical Device Tax Long-term Transportation Funding
• •
Employee Retirement Plans Casino Tax Revenue
• •
Complete Streets Infill Development & Blight Removal
STATE PRIORITIES • •
Transportation Funding Education Funding
LOCAL PRIORITIES • •
Downtown Development Regional Cities
PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES Listed below are our TOP 5 public policy priorities for 2016, based on results from our annual Legislative Survey.
INTERSTATE 69 Support the swift completion of Interstate 69 in Indiana between the Kentucky/Indiana state line on the southern border and Indianapolis on the northern border; completion to include new Ohio River bridge
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Support policies and projects which yield investment in downtown and urban centers throughout communities in Southwest Indiana
#FLYEVV Support the expansion of services and facilities at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), creating a more dynamic airport
QUALITY OF PLACE Support an enhanced quality of place in Southwest Indiana that fosters talent attraction and retention
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE Support local infrastructure projects that maintain and improve our ability to meet logistics needs of businesses in Southwest Indiana
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ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Growing our region’s economy and supporting sustainable community development are at the core of the Southwest Indiana Chamber mission. To ensure our region continues to thrive, we support projects and concepts that enhance quality of place, making Southwest Indiana an even more attractive place to live, work, and grow a business.
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
MILLENIAL PLAN 2040
NONPROFIT SUPPORT
Support policies and projects which yield downtown investment throughout communities in Southwest Indiana
Support policies and projects suggested in the Millennial Plan 2040
Support tax-exempt charitable giving from IRAs
QUALITY OF PLACE Support enhanced community amenities and assets which foster talent attraction and retention Support the implementation and funding of the City of Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2015 Support “Top 10” projects outlined in the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Master Plan 2015
BLIGHT REMOVAL AND INFILL DEVELOPMENT Support blight removal and infill development projects to grow our city’s tax base and improve economic development opportunities
INDIANA’S GREAT SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CITIES INITIATIVE Support strategic quality of life investments advocated by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Regional Cities Initiative to position our state and our region as a magnet for jobs and talent
LAND-BASED GAMING Support changes to Indiana’s gaming tax structure to meet casinos’ needs while also protecting local communities
Support state and federal policies which support private philanthropy Continue collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to combat executive branch overreach on issues detrimental to the health and wellbeing of our nonprofit community
REGIONAL COLLABORATION Support improved regional collaboration on issues affecting Southwest Indiana
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING Support the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts as an economic development incentive and financing tool
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE As the Crossroads of America, it’s critical for Indiana, and our region specifically, to uphold that moniker by investing in infrastructure that encourages businesses and our economy to flourish. We fully support projects, like the swift completion of Interstate 69, that will create and retain jobs and opportunities for the people and organizations of Southwest Indiana.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE HIGHWAY FUNDING
HIGHWAY FUNDING (CONT.)
Support policies at the federal and state levels that will increase user fees used to help fund critical highway and infrastructure projects
Support state funding for the expansion of Baseline Road, which will create a new, critically-needed east-west corridor in northern Vanderburgh County
Local & State Road Network Support legislation that provides funding to local governments and allows public-private partnerships
INTERSTATE 69
Support the completion of State Road 69 (“Western Connector”), which will provide a safer traffic route around the City of Mount Vernon in Posey County
Support state funding for an Environmental Impact Study for a new Ohio River bridge for the interstate, as the next phase of the bridge project
Support projects that alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow on the Lloyd Expressway (State Road 62/ State Road 66) in Vanderburgh, Posey, and Warrick counties
Support the completion of I-69 Segment 6, which will take the interstate from Martinsville to I-465 in Indianapolis and provide a seamless interstate connection between Indianapolis and Evansville
Support state funding for the completion of University Parkway, which will create a new, critically-needed north-south corridor in western Vanderburgh County
Support the use of IN-37 as the Segment 6 route, connecting Martinsville to Indianapolis
Support the swift completion of Interstate 69 in Indiana
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
WATER & SEWAGE INFRASTRUCTURE Support funding for the study of regional sewer districts Support alternative funding mechanisms, like private activity bonds, to address maintenance needs of aging and crumbling water and sewer infrastructure Support alternative funding options for funding enhanced infrastructure and regional partnerships to address potential water challenges faced by other communities in Indiana
COMPLETE STREETS Support funding for new “Complete Streets” in Evansville as a tool to drive economic development, enhance quality of place, and encourage lifestyle choices Support regulation that encourages new road and major street renovations and repairs be designed as “Complete Streets”
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TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE AIR TRANSPORTATION Support additional state and federal funding for the enhancement and expansion of services and facilities, including projects outlined in Indiana’s Great Southwest Regional Cities Initiative proposal, at Evansville Regional Airport Support an increase to the Passenger Facility Charge to meet inflation, as one method for funding facility upgrades Support the creation of a dedicated funding stream for airports from the State of Indiana
BIKE & PEDESTRIAN PLAN Support for the implementation of a robust bike and pedestrian path plan
PASSENGER RAIL TRANSPORTATION
INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION
Support the development of local, state, regional, and inter-city passenger rail service as a critical component of an overall transportation network
Support a streamlined permit process, reduced onerous regulations, and thoughtful planning and zoning rules to enhance intermodal transportation infrastructure in Southwest Indiana
REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY Support funding for the study of a new Regional Transit Authority to enhance the existing public transit system by increasing reliability, expanding its territory, and making it a more reasonable option as a primary mode of transportation for the community
Support the appropriate use of financial incentives to enhance intermodal transportation infrastructure in Southwest Indiana Support a new port in Evansville to foster intermodal commerce Support a new Regional Rail Truck Intermodal Facility
Further support the proposed Metropolitan Evansville Transit Authority and support Sunday service
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
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EDUCATION & WORKFORCE One of the most effective ways to support our region’s workforce is through responsible education and workforce policies. From early childhood education to tailored workforce development initiatives, the Southwest Indiana Chamber supports legislation that provides our robust education systems with the ability to be flexible in order to meet the changing demands of our workforce needs.
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE EARLY EDUCATION
HIGHER EDUCATION
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Support state funding for preKindergarten programs
Support equitable funding for the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College Southwest
Support enhancement of programs and projects that strengthen the link between publicly-funded workforce development initiatives and economic development
K-12 EDUCATION Support legislation that provides schools and teachers in Indiana communities with more freedom and flexibility to structure education to better fit the needs of students and employers
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
MULTI-INSTITUTION ACADEMIC HEALTH SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER Continued support for funding for the inclusion of Ivy Tech Community College programs at the Multi-Institution Academic Health Science Research Center
IMPROVED ACCESS TO RETIREMENT PLANS Support legislation that provides small business owners the ability to gain easier access to retirement plans for employees
Support a study of the use of incentives provided to school districts to Increase student participation in regional career and technical education programs
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
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ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY The Southwest Indiana Chamber supports legislation that positions Indiana as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation. We support efforts that make our state the technology leader in the Midwest, environmental legislation that is not unnecessarily burdensome to business in our region, and energy policies that result in more Hoosier jobs.
ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY EPA OVERREACH
ENERGY
Oppose additional regulation that overly and unnecessarily burdens small businesses in Southwest Indiana, including the expanded reach of “Clean Waters of the US�
Support policies that grow the number of jobs and income in Indiana by producing more of the energy we need from our own natural resources, including coal, while encouraging conservation and energy efficiency and the increased use of renewable resources
AIR QUALITY Support energy efficiency and conservation as the most costefficient and reasonable approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementation of appropriate steps to address the international nature of greenhouse gas emissions without negative economic impact
TECHNOLOGY Support increased statewide private sector investment in wireless and wire line broadband telecommunications infrastructure
Oppose additional attempts through federal regulation to further raise air quality standards, which will create undue burden without a clearer understanding of any costbenefit analysis
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY
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STATE & FEDERAL POLICIES Our State & Federal priorities focus on ensuring our region, the state, and the United States all remain competitive in an increasingly globalized economy. We support legislation that focuses on finding a responsible balance for our nation’s annual budget, revisions to the Affordable Care Act that eliminate new taxes on small businesses, and the repeal of taxes that negatively impact Indiana’s innovative healthcare industry.
STATE & FEDERAL POLICIES FEDERAL SPENDING Support responsible reform to both mandatory and discretionary spending within the federal budget with a focus on balancing the federal budget annually
TAX REFORM Support a simplified tax code and a lower corporate tax rate to make the United States more competitive in an increasingly globalized economy
FEDERAL OVERREACH Oppose efforts by the executive branch that would unduly burden small businesses through the rule making process with little or no input from the legislative branch
LONG-TERM TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION Support a long-term highway funding bill that would raise revenue through user fee increases to fund critical programs, like the completion of I-69, and provide stability in transportation funding for states
MEDICAL DEVICE TAX Support the repeal of the medical device tax, as it directly impacts the medical device community in Indiana
HIGH VALUE HEALTH PLAN EXCISE TAX Support the US Chamber’s efforts to repeal the Cadillac tax, which will require about 40% excise tax on high value health care plans
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | STATE & FEDERAL POLICIES
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HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW SECOND HOUSE
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BILL IS INTRODUCED IN HOUSE OR SENATE (HOUSE OF ORIGIN)
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BILL IS INTRODUCED IN SECOND HOUSE
02
BILL IS ASSIGNED TO A COMMITTEE
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BILL IS ASSIGNED TO A COMMITTEE
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BILL IS HEARD IN COMMITTEE
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BILL IS HEARD IN COMMITTEE
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BILL RETURNS TO THE FLOOR FOR AMENDMENTS
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BILL RETURNS TO THE FLOOR FOR AMENDMENTS
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BILL IS AMENDED AND ENGROSSED
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BILL IS AMENDED AND ENGROSSED
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BILL PASSES ON THIRD READING
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BILL PASSES ON THIRD READING
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BILL REPEATS THE PROCESS IN SECOND HOUSE (HOUSE OR SENATE)
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IF THE BILL COMPLETES THE PROCESS IN SECOND HOUSE, PROCEED TO THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FLOWCHART
IF ALL THESE STEPS DO NOT OCCUR, BILL DIES.
IF ALL THESE STEPS DO NOT OCCUR, BILL DIES.
HOUSE OF ORIGIN
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FLOWCHART START HERE WAS THE BILL AMENDED IN THE SECOND HOUSE?
DID THE AUTHOR CONCUR ON THE AMENDMENTS?
DID A MAJORITY OF THE HOUSE OF ORIGIN VOTE TO ADOPT THE CONCURRENCE?
BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR TO BECOME LAW
1. A dissent is filed and adopted in the House of Origin. 2. Conferees and advisors are assigned from House and Senate Caucuses. 3. Conference Committee meets to discuss changes made in Second House. 4. Conference Committee report drafted, including agreed upon changes.
WAS THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT SIGNED BY ALL FOUR CONFEREES?
WAS THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT PASSED BY BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE RULES COMMITTEES?
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FLOWCHART
DID A MAJORITY OF BOTH HOUSES VOTE TO ADOPT THE REPORT?
BILL “DIES” AND DOES NOT BECOME LAW
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GET ENGAGED Let your voice be heard. Join our Director of Public Policy and Government Relations in local and state discussions, connect with the Southwest Indiana Chamber at our events, and actively communicate with your legislators. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to closely follow the exciting progress we’re making within our region.
OUR ADVOCACY TEAM CHRISTINE KECK
Board Vice Chair for Advocacy & Public Policy LUKE YAEGER
Local-Regional Government Affairs Committee Chair ANDREW WILSON
State-Federal Government Affairs Committee Chair JOHN DIDOMIZIO
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair
JUSTIN GROENERT
Director, Public Policy & Government Relations jgroenert@swinchamber.com
CHRIS ZIRKELBACH
Environment & Energy Committee Chair
OUR REGION’S ELECTED LEADERS UNITED STATES SENATE
VANDERBURGH COUNTY
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL
Dan Coats Joe Donnelly
CITY OF EVANSVILLE MAYOR
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CITY COUNCIL
James Raben - District 1 Tom Shetler - District 2 Stephanie Terry - District 3 John Montrastelle (Vice President) - District 4 Ed Bassemier - At-Large Michael Goebel - At-Large Angela Koehler Lindsey (President) - At-Large
Lloyd Winnecke
INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Dan McGinn - Ward 1 Missy Mosby - Ward 2 Anna Hargis - Ward 3 Constance Robinson - Ward 4 Justin Elpers - Ward 5 Jim Brinkmeyer - Ward 6 Dr. Dan Adams - At-Large Jonathan Weaver - At-Large Michelle Mercer - At-Large
Ron Bacon - District 75 Wendy McNamara - District 76 Gail Riecken - District 77 Holli Sullivan - District 78 Tom Washburne - District 64
Joe Kiefer - District 1 Bruce Ungethiem - District 2 Stephen Melcher - District 3
Larry Bucshon (IN-08) INDIANA STATE SENATE Vaneta Becker - District 50 Jim Tomes - District 49
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
POSEY COUNTY CITY OF MT. VERNON MAYOR
John Tucker CITY COUNCIL
POSEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Carl Schmitz - District 1 Jim Alsop - District 2 Jerry Walden - District 3 POSEY COUNTY COUNCIL
Tom Schneider - District 1 Stefani Miller - District 2 Don Mattingly - District 3 David Pearce - District 4 Bob Gentil - At-Large Ralph Weinzapfel - At-Large Martin Redman - At-Large
Becky Higgins - At-Large Brian Jeffries - District 1 Larry Williams - District 2 Andy Hoehn - District 3 Bill Curtis - District 4
2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA | LEADERSHIP 2015 ANNUAL REPORT | SECTION ONE: LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
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THANK YOU TO OUR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA SPONSORS:
EVANSVILLE
POSEY COUNTY
318 Main Street, Suite 401
915 E. 4th Street 路 PO Box 633
Evansville, IN 47708
Mt. Vernon, IN 47620
812-425-8147
812-838-3639
www.swinchamber.com