WICHITA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

“The Chamber sets legislative priorities based on the needs of its members, while working in collaboration with similar business-oriented organizations,” said Toni Porter, the Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations. “As one of the largest business organizations in Kansas, the Chamber amplifies the voice of the business community by advocating pro-business policies at the state level.”

This year’s agenda includes several new priorities. Among those are support for the Wichita Biomedical Campus, support for policies that expand access to affordable childcare and reforms to childcare regulations that make Kansas competitive. Additionally, the Chamber’s agenda includes support for extending the APEX program for economic development and support for policies that will draw federal funding for transportation projects to south central Kansas.

“Our legislative priorities are developed from the results of a survey of members conducted each fall,” said Gabe Schlickau, vice chair of advocacy for the Chamber. “In 2022, we were successful in advocating for income tax credits for the aviation industry, prioritizing computer science education, support for vital economic development incentives and ensuring dedicated transportation funding streams are only used for the transportation program. We believe these legislative priorities will continue to foster a strong business climate and help our region’s businesses thrive.”

• Workforce Development, Talent and Education

• Taxation and Budget

• Economic Development

• Entrepreneurship and Technology

• Healthcare

• Transportation

• Energy, Environment and Regulation

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion