2015 Legislative Wrapup

Regional business leadership gathered Nov. 12th to thank our WNC delegation for their work during the 2015 NC General Assembly legislative session. Advocacy and Policy Committee Chair Ken Maxwell of Frontier Communications shared highlights of the session:

"All the other Chambers involved with the WNC Chambers Coalition have similar processes and we all work to create the legislative priorities for our region. Being intimately involved in the process of identifying the issues from our region, creating a legislative agenda, and advocating on the ground in Raleigh, it is awesome to see our advocacy efforts come full circle and be able to thank our legislators and celebrate some legislative victories. I will now briefly mention a few:

In the category of Infrastructure Improvement, the chambers have supported:

• Developing long-term transportation funding reforms that strengthens our state’s infrastructure and provides our economy with the support it needs to thrive as a global economic leader.

The WNC Chambers were pleased to advocate for and see SB 20 passed. This bill stabilizes the gas tax and works to set the ground work for comprehensive transportation reform. We know that the gas tax is no longer a viable long-term form of transportation funding and it is critical we protect our infrastructure assets.

In addition, a top priority of the chamber has been the completion of the I-26 Connector project. While we realize that there are several I-26 route options being considered and differing opinions about them, we know that I-26 is critical not just for Asheville but the success of the entire region. Therefore, the chambers were pleased to see the project take another step forward with the recent release of the environmental impact study.

In the field of Economic Development the Chambers supported:

• Economic and community development incentives and other tools to keep Western North Carolina competitive in the attraction and retention of jobs.

This was the chambers number one priority for the session. We heard from economic developers around our region that tools such as JDIG and ONE NC are critical to their jobs. That is why we spent countless hours driving to Raleigh and communicating with legislators about the importance of the NC Competes Act. We thank our elected officials for helping to fully fund JDIG and the ONE NC fund.

In the field of Education the chambers advocated for:

• Supporting across the board pay increases for North Carolina’s educators with the goal of NC educator salaries meeting the national average in five years.

The Chambers were pleased to see the General Assembly provide teachers with a pay increase and encourage them to continue to support our teachers and schools.

In the field of Tax Modernization:

• Support tax modernization reform efforts resulting in “across the board” tax rate reductions-broadening the tax base to help lower rates for businesses and individuals; determining the most valuable incentives for economic and community development efforts; simplifying compliance; ensuring no specific industry is targeted; and a tax system that would be fair and would make our state more competitive in attracting business.

The WNC Chambers were pleased to see the final state budget include a reduction in the personal income tax, which will take place in 2017. The corporate income tax in NC will also drop to 4% this year. The chambers were also pleased to see the state change to a single sales factor state, which will help with economic development and make us more competitive with our neighboring states."

Legislative Win: House and Senate Reach Agreement on Transportation Funding

The Chamber is pleased to report that the House and Senate Conference Committee on S. 20 (IRC Update/Motor Fuel Tax Changes) reached an agreement on the legislation. The new version of the bill will reduce the North Carolina gas tax on April 1, 2015 from 37.5 cents/gallon to 36 cents/gallon. The reduction in the state’s fuel tax will continue with a drop to 35 cents/gallon on January 1, 2016 and then to 34 cents/gallon on July 1, 2016.

Legislative leaders expressed a desire to not stop with S. 20 in our need to fix transportation funding in North Carolina. Leadership expressed a desire to develop a long-term funding fix for transportation before 2016.

The Chamber applauds House and Senate leadership’s ability to find compromise and fund NC’s infrastructure. The Chamber projected a $20 million reduction in transportation funding for Buncombe County if action was not taken on the bill before July 1. We will now be working to promote long-term, sustainable infrastructure funding in the months to come.

I also wanted to make everyone aware of the legislation we are tracking. Please, let us know if you have any questions or would like to see a bill included in the list.

Finally, reservations are almost gone for the WNC Chamber’s Raleigh Legislative Visit. This is a great chance to thank our WNC Delegation, hear from House and Senate Leader, learn about regional transportation projects from NC DOT, meet the leaders of NC Department of Commerce’s new Public Private Partnership, and network with business leaders from across Western North Carolina. You can register for the event by clicker here.

Senate Proposes Transportation Funding Fix

As you have heard, one of the Asheville Chamber’s top legislative priorities is transportation funding reform for North Carolina. The state is currently suffering from a decline in transportation funds and at the same time experiencing massive population growth and aging infrastructure. The Chamber recognizes the importance of our transportation system to the success of Asheville and North Carolina and encourages the General Assembly to be proactive in fully funding our infrastructure.

Monday, the N.C. Senate released a proposal that takes an important first step to maintain the current funds available to meet existing transportation infrastructure needs. Currently, the motor fuels tax provides 70 percent of transportation revenue to our state; however the fluctuation in this tax makes funding for transportation infrastructure volatile and unsustainable in the future. The Senate proposal addresses this fluctuation by cutting the current gas tax and freezing the rate at 35 cents per gallon, setting this as a floor to ensure consistent transportation revenue going forward.

This provides the NC DOT with funding predictability to implement the priorities of the Strategic Transportation Initiative (STI) and takes an important step to relieve immediate stress on current transportation infrastructure needs. Not only is this necessary for projects but highly critical for jobs which could be negatively impacted by thousands if nothing is done.

We need to develop a solution that provides a diversified, stable and economically efficient revenue model to meet North Carolina’s long-term transportation needs, in addition to addressing current challenges. While supporting the Senate proposal, we remain committed to advancing long-term reforms that establish North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure as a competitive advantage in the battle for job creation. Investing in the transportation system is crucial and yields a significant return on investment as it provides a resource for years to come.

We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the Senate proposal, as well as additional action around long-term transportation funding reforms.
In the meantime, please let our elected officials know that North Carolina Can’t Afford to Wait on funding our critical infrastructure. You can do so by signing the petition at NC Can’t Afford to Wait.  

WNC Legislative Delegation Receives Committee Assignments

The North Carolina General Assembly has been easing into the Long Session. Legislators were in Raleigh last week and the House was busy handing out committee assignments. Western North Carolina saw several of our members pick up key leadership positions.

Representative McGrady (R-Henderson) picked up one of the four Appropriation’s chairs. This is a huge honor to Representative McGrady and the Chamber congratulates him on his new leadership role. Representative Presnell (R-Yancey) was named co-chair of Commerce and Job Development and Representative Whitmire (R-Transylvania) became co-chair of the new committee on Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs. Representative Whitmire also was name a vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

Republicans were not the only members of the WNC Delegation to receive leadership roles. Representative Fisher (D-Buncombe) and Representative Queen (D-Haywood) will both serve as vice chairs for the committee on Aging and Representative Fisher also landed the vice chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on General Government.

The Chamber looks forward to working with all the members of the WNC Delegation to represent the voice of your business. You can see full committee assignments of the delegation below.

Rep. Chris Whitmire, R-Transylvania: Agriculture; Appropriations; Appropriations/Education; Education/K-12; Homeland Security, Military and Veterans Affairs; Regulatory Reform; State Personnel

Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe: Aging; Alcoholic Beverage Control; Appropriations; Appropriations/General Government; Education/K-12; Elections; Local Government

Rep. John Ager, D-Buncombe: Agriculture; Alcoholic Beverage Control; Appropriations; Appropriations/General Government; Children, Youth, and Families; Education/K-12; Judiciary IV; Local Government

Rep. Brian Turner, D-Buncombe: Appropriations; Appropriations/ Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources; Homeland Security, Military and Veterans Affairs

Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson: Agriculture; Alcoholic Beverage Control; Appropriations; Commerce and Job Development; Education-Universities; Environment; Ethics; Judiciary II; Transportation; Wildlife Resources

Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Yancey: Agriculture; Appropriations; Appropriations/ Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources; Commerce and Job Development; Transportation; Wildlife Resources

Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood: Aging; Appropriations; Appropriations/General Government; Judiciary II; Regulatory Reform; Transportation

Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell: Appropriations on Health and Human Services; Appropriations/Base Budget; Finance; Health Care; Insurance; Redistricting; Rules and Operations of the Senate; Transportation

Sen. Tom Apodaca, R-Henderson: Appropriations on Education/Higher Education; Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety; Appropriations/Base Budget; Commerce; Education/Higher Education; Finance; Insurance; Judiciary I; Pensions & Retirement and Aging; Redistricting; Rules and Operations of the Senate; Ways and Means

Sen. Terry Van Duyn, D-Buncombe: Appropriations on Health and Human Services; Finance; Health Care; Judiciary II; State and Local Government; Ways and Means

Sen. Jim Davis, R-Macon: Appropriations on General Government and Information Technology; Appropriations/Base Budget; Finance; Health Care; Insurance; Judiciary II; State and Local Government; Transportation

Back to Work: North Carolina General Assembly

The North Carolina General Assembly gaveled in for the start of the 2014 Short Session this week and the Chamber was in Raleigh to represent your business. The Short Session is the compliment to the Long Session (go figure), which wrapped up last summer. This expedited time in the capitol city is largely designed to give lawmakers a chance to adjust/fix the state budget. However, members of the General Assembly are also expected to tackle coal ash, teacher salaries, and Common Core education standards over the course of the next couple of weeks.

Wednesday, May 14 was the first day of the session and saw a host of activity at the legislature. Governor Pat McCrory used the first day of session to roll out his proposed $21 billion dollar budget. The Governor’s budget included pay raises for teachers in their first seven years, pay raises for most state employees, and provides funding for 19 new positions to oversee coal ash ponds. Republican law makers seemed to think the Governor’s budget was a good start but both the House and Senate will take stabs of their own.

The Chamber would also like to congratulate Sen. Van Duyn for being officially sworn into office on Wednesday. We are pleased to have her representing the Asheville area in the NCGA.

Wednesday also saw the first bill filed of the Short Session with Senators Berger and Apodaca filing S.729 Governor’s Coal Ash Action Plan. This bill seeks to address the clean up and regulation of coal ash and includes measures for Asheville’s power plant.

Thursday, the legislators were back in committee meetings hearing briefings on the Governor’s budget in Joint Appropriations and the House Finance Committee passed a bill that would cap the privilege license tax at $100 and place a tax on E-cigarettes.

The NCGA will be back in Raleigh to begin work on Monday, May 19. The Chamber will keep you up-to-date on important happenings as this fast paced session continues.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s top priorities for the Short Session are:

1. Accelerate the completion of the I-26 Connector Project.

2. Support across the board pay increases for North Carolina’s teachers.

3. Support economic and community development incentives tools.

4. Reduce small business employee healthcare premiums by improving and 

    restructuring Medicaid.

I-26 Resolution Passes Buncombe County Commission

The Chamber was pleased to see the community move one step closer to having the I-26 Connector Project completed with the Buncombe County Commission’s unanimous support of the resolution calling on the NC Department of Transportation to construct a $230 million I-26 connector in their March 18 meeting.

The Chamber would like to thank the members of the I-26 working group and former Chairman of the Board and Asheville Mayor Lou Bissette for their work in building community consensus over the proposed alternatives. The Asheville City Council plans to take up the resolution at their Tuesday, March 25 meeting. The Chamber will keep you up-to-date as we work to improve the safety and functionality of Western North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure.

The Chamber will continue to advocate for the funding and completion of the project in the 2014 Legislative Agenda. 

North Carolina Tax Reform Passes House and Senate

The Chamber was pleased to see HB 998 (tax reform) pass the North Carolina House and Senate on Wednesday, July 17. The bill will now head to the Governor for his signature. The Chamber recognizes that this bill is not a final solution and will continue to advocate for the continued modernization of North Carolina's tax law. The Governmental Affairs Task Force and Chamber Board identified tax modernization as a top priority for the General Assembly's Long Session and have been working to advocate for change during the session.

The bill will work to lower the personal and corporate income tax, which the Chamber believes will make North Carolina more competitive in the attraction and retention of business. Further details on the legislation can be found below.

The Chamber is now waiting and watching for the budget to appear. We will keep you up-to-date on the happenings in Raleigh.

Tax Reform Proposal Highlights

Personal Income Tax:

• Reduces and simplifies the 3-tiered state personal income tax from the current maximum rate of 7.75% and minimum rate of 6% to 5.8% in 2014 and 5.75% in 2015.
• Increases the standard deduction for all taxpayers, applied to the:
  • First $15,000 of income for those married filing jointly
  • First $12,000 of income for heads of household
  • First $7,500 of income for single filers;
• Retains the state child tax credit and increases it for families making less than $40,000;
• Offers a $20,000 combined maximum deduction for mortgage interest and property taxes;
• Makes charitable contributions fully deductible;
• Protects all Social Security income from state taxes.

Corporate Income Tax:

• Reduces the corporate income tax from 6.9% to 6% in 2014 and then to 5% in 2015 – a 29% rate reduction.
• If the state meets revenue targets (i.e. if tax revenue grows due to a growing economy), the corporate income tax will drop to 4% in 2016 and 3% in 2017.

Other Highlights:

• Caps the state gas tax; 
• Eliminates North Carolina’s death tax;
• Preserves the sales tax refund for nonprofits.

Public Policy Update: Beer is Bipartisan

The week is flying by here in Raleigh at the General Assembly (I hope this is representative of my Chamber Challenge time…side note: Make sure to register and come out for the Chamber’s 5k Race this Friday, June 7).

There are several legislative items the Chamber has been keeping a close eye on. The first is Tax Modernization. There has been a lot of activity this week on the House’s attempt at modernizing North Carolina’s tax code. This occurred on Tuesday with HB 998 appearing in House Finance and receiving an amendment from Representative Howard. The approved amendment would remove the $25,000 cap on deductions for mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and local property taxes originally proposed in the bill.  

HB 998 was then scheduled to be debated in House Appropriations early Wednesday morning. However, the version that appeared in committee did not include Howard’s amendment from Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting. This led to Howard working with other Republican’s to block the bill. It is now unclear what will happen with the House’s version of tax reform, but the Chamber will make sure to keep you informed as information becomes available.

However, there were several bills that both parties were able to agree. Two bills of particular interest to Beer City USA are HB 610 and HB 829, which were both sent to the Governor for his signature on Wednesday. HB 610 would allow in-stand beer sales at venues in the state with more than 3,000 seats and HB 829 will allow for permitted retailers to fill and sell growlers. It appears that the way we get our local beer at Tourists’ Games and grocery stores is about to change.

I can’t wait to get back to WNC and enjoy a local beer!

As always, keep the Chamber informed of your legislative issues and concerns. 

Public Policy Update: Tax Modernization x 3

One of the top priorities of the Chamber for the legislative long session is tax modernization. The House and Senate both set out to tackle this daunting tax with the filing of three separate pieces of legislation. House Bill 998, Senate Bill 677, and Senate Bill 394 made their respective committee appearances on Thursday and are expected to be discussed in greater detail next week.

While all three plans deal with tax modernization, they all set about to reform North Carolina’s tax codes in different ways and to different degrees. The House plan sponsored by Rep. Lewis is the most cautious in its changes while Senator Rucho’s SB677 is the most comprehensive in its reform efforts. The final bill for consideration is Senator Clodfelter’s SB394, which has bipartisan support and is regarded as the middle ground of the three introduced bills.

I have outlined some of the key provisions of the legislation below. All of the bills are expected to be debated and discussed in committee next week. The Governor has already made it clear that he is more in favor of the moderate attempts at tax reform (HB998 and SB394). The Chamber will keep you up-to-date as discussion occurs next week. Please keep us informed of any concerns or comments you may have.

HB 998 (Lewis)

Sales Tax: The sales tax would drop from 6.75% to 6.65% in 2014.

Personal Income Tax: The income tax would fall to a flat 5.9%.

Corporate Income Tax: The corporate tax would fall from 6.9% to 5.4% over a five year span.

Estate Tax: The estate tax would be repealed.

SB 677 (Rucho)

Sales Tax: The sales tax would fall from 6.75% to 6.5% in 2015. This bill also would include the greatest increase in the taxation of services with 130 new services being taxed.

Personal Income Tax: Statewide the personal income tax would be 5.5% in 2014 and would continue to drop to 4.5% by 2016.

Corporate Income Tax: The corporate income tax would drop from 6.9% to 6% over the next three years.

Estate Tax: The estate tax would be repealed.

SB 394 (Clodfelter)

Sales Tax: The sales tax would drop from 6.75% to 6.5% starting in September of 2014.

Personal Income Tax: The personal income tax would have a flat rate of 5.9%.

Corporate Income Tax: The corporate income tax would drop from 6.9% to 5.95%.

Estate Tax: Shows no change to the estate tax. 

Public Policy Update: Crossed Over and Tax Modernization

Well I am happy to report that I have survived crossover week at the NCGA. The week proved hectic with long sessions and bills coming from all directions. However, the most interesting action to the Chamber came with the House’s tax reform bill (HB998).

The Senate announced their tax reform package last week but have still not filed an actual bill. Thus, the key ideas of Senate tax reform are known but not yet in official legislation.  As proposed, the Senate and House plans have many differences. The Senate has proposed a much more comprehensive tax reform package than the House. Some of the differences are listed below.

Sales Tax

The current sales tax in NC is at 6.75%. The Senate plan would lower it to 6.5% and the House plan to 6.65%. The other key difference with the sales tax is the taxation of services. The Senate plan would tax an additional 160 services provided in NC while the House plan only taxes services that are tangible.

Personal Income

The current income tax in NC is 7.75%. The House plan would create a flat personal income tax rate at 5.9% while the Senate plan is much more complicated.  However, the highest income tax rate would be 4.5%.

Corporate Tax

The current corporate tax rate in NC is 6.9%. The Senate tax plan would take that down to 6% and the House plan takes it to 6.75%.

Estate Tax

Both plans eliminate the estate tax.

The Chamber will keep an eye on this legislation as it is debated and changed. The Chamber will also be anticipating the Senate’s proposed budget, which is scheduled to be delivered Sunday night.

Please contact the Chamber with any questions, comments, or concerns at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.

Have a great weekend!

Public Policy Update: Crossover Week at the NC General Assembly

The usual hustle and bustle of the General Assembly is supercharged with the arrival of crossover week. This imposed deadline requires legislation to clear the House or Senate by Thursday, May 16 to remain eligible for consideration for the remainder of session. As a result, bills are moving at a rapid pace to get them through their respective side of the NCGA.

The Asheville Chamber will be on the ground keeping watch over the flurry of bills making their way through the system. Please do not hesitate to contact Jeff Joyce with any issues or concerns at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org. You can also follow along live with the issues via the Chamber's Twitter account @avlbizvoice.

Some interesting bills of note from the day (5/14/13):

Repeal Literacy Test (HB311): This bill would repeal the literacy test component of the voting requirement, which is attributed to antiquated Jim Crow laws.

Study of Spirituous Liquor Sales (HB842): This bill was originally not a study bill and would have allowed small distilleries the ability to sale their product on location. However, it was changed into a study bill to study the impacts of the legislation.

Electronic Campaign Reporting (HB919): This bill would take the NCGA paperless for the aspect of campaign finance reporting. The Asheville Chamber is all for paperless!

There is much more to come! The Chamber will work to keep you posted.

Public Policy Update: Tax Modernization

One of the Chamber’s top legislative priorities for 2013 is tax modernization for North Carolina. You can see the Chamber’s position statement on tax modernization here.

The NC General Assembly continued work on tax modernization this week with work on several bills. The first bit of action occurred early in the week as Senate Finance debated SB363-Business Tax Reductions & Reforms. The legislation would repeal the existing corporate franchise tax and replace it with a state business privilege tax, which would be paid by all business with limited liability. The legislation would require LLC’s to pay the new privilege tax at a rate of $1.35 per $1,000 of the entity’s net worth tax base. The bill would also eliminate the state and local privilege taxes, which has been a major concern for the City of Asheville.

The theme of tax modernization continued on Wednesday with two pieces of legislation being introduced in the Senate. The first bill introduced was SB669. This bill would work to decrease the personal income tax rate in North Carolina to 4% by 2016. However, it has been said that this bill is merely a placeholder and that more sweeping changes can be expected in the next couple of days. The Chamber will make sure to keep you up-to-date on any changes introduced in the bill.

Finally, SB677 was also introduced on Wednesday in an attempt to address North Carolina’s corporate income tax. The bill aims at reducing NC’s corporate income tax to 6% by 2015. This legislation will begin its path through committees next Tuesday.

The Chamber will continue to watch as changes are expected to be made to the legislation to address the taxation of services. Please contact the Chamber with any questions or concerns on the topic at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.

Public Policy Update: WNC Chamber Delegation in Raleigh

Business leaders from chambers across Western North Carolina joined forces and headed to Raleigh this week. The Asheville Chamber partnered with the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Cashiers Chamber of Commerce, Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, and Madison County Chamber of Commerce to bring over 50 business leaders to the North Carolina General Assembly.

The trip allowed the Chamber's to advocate for needed tax reform, regulatory reform, and infrastructure improvement in the Western part of the state (completion of the I-26 corridor and broadband). It is truly beneficial to take the time to head to Raleigh and see our elected officials at work in the General Assembly.

The trip also allowed business leaders to meet with Speaker of the House Thom Tillis and Senator Pro Tem Phil Berger and further advocate for the western part of the state. The trip was a great success and the Chamber is so thankful for all the leaders that took time to participate.

North Carolina General Assembly Update

The North Carolina General Assembly was back in action Monday, February 4 and Western North Carolina legislatures spent the day making the long commute to get to Jones St.. To this point, the Chamber is very thankful for all the hours and miles traveled by our WNC legislatures to represent the Western part of the state in Raleigh. The Asheville Chamber wishes you all safe travels for this long session.

BACK TO THE ACTION…

The House and Senate convened at 7 p.m. Monday night to kick off this week’s work. Both chambers heard and voted on contentious pieces of legislation. The House took up a vote on H.B. 4 (Unemployment Insurance Bill) and tentatively passed the legislation. The vote did see some party crossover with four Democrats voting with Republicans to pass the legislation (Representatives Brisson, Farmer-Butterfield, Goodman, and Tine) and three Republicans voting against the legislation with the Democrat camp (Representatives Bumgardner, Hastings, and Wells).

The House will have their final reading and vote on H.B. 4 Tues. Feb 5.

The Senate was also in the building and took up a vote on S.B. 4, which would block the expansion of Medicaid under provision of the Affordable Care Act. The vote tentatively passed on party lines despite the fact that Republican Governor McCrory urged the Senate to slow down the vote. Governor McCrory would like additional study on the fiscal ramifications of the bill before action is taken at the legislature.

The Senate will also take up the final reading and vote on S.B. 4 Tues. Feb 5.

The Asheville Chamber is working to represent the voice of Western North Carolina business in Raleigh. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.


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Asheville Chamber's 2012 Legislative Agenda

The Board of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce approved the 2012 Legislative Agenda on Wednesday, March 28 (scroll to bottom to see agenda). This marked the end of a long and diligent process of the Chamber to identify the legislative priorities and needs of Western North Carolina’s business community.

The legislative agenda process began with a survey of businesses across the region. For the first time the Asheville Chamber partnered with five other chamber’s (Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber, Henderson County Chamber, Haywood County Chamber, Madison County Chamber, and Transylvania County Chamber) to get a clear picture of the legislative needs from across the region. From the survey, it was clear that membership priorities revolved around tax reform, education funding, and regulatory reform.

Following the survey, the Chamber convened the Governmental Affairs Task Force for three meetings to hear from community presenters and learn about Asheville’s legislative needs. The group heard from Buncombe County Schools, Mission Hospital, UNC Asheville, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, Senator Burr, Asheville Downtown Association, and Mountain Housing Opportunities.

The Task Force was able to use the survey and community presentations to identify the needs of Chamber business members and create a draft agenda. This agenda then went before the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Committee and finally the Chamber Board for revision and approval.

The Chamber will now begin work to advocate on member’s key priorities. This will take place at the upcoming Legislative Luncheon on April 20 when the agenda will be presented to state legislatures and on the ground in Raleigh during the Short Session. Finally, the Chamber will be taking a group of business leaders to Raleigh and Washington, D.C. to meet with our legislative leadership and convey WNC’s needs.

Click here to learn more and register for the Legislative Luncheon.

The Chamber is eager to represent your business. If you have questions or comments please contact Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.


2012 State Top Priorities

Job Creation
• Support programs and state legislation to help all businesses, irrespective of size, to create and maintain jobs, including tax incentive strategies, grants and an expand the small business preference for companies seeking contracts with the state
• Supports the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as a sovereign nation that has determined what is in the best interest of its citizens, in their efforts to amend their Tribal Gaming Compact with the State of North Carolina to permit live dealers at their gaming tables. (Approved by Chamber Board October 10-21-11) Encourage leadership to move forward with a live gaming agreement and address the agreement during the Short Session.
Regulatory Reform
• Protect and attract jobs through continued regulatory reform. The Chamber encourages the balance of environmental protection with job creation by streamlining and making the regulatory process more transparent.
Tax Reform/Fiscal Issues
• Support tax reform efforts resulting in “across the board” tax rate reductions- broadening the tax base to help lower rates for businesses and individuals; eliminating special tax breaks, simplify compliance, and ensure no specific industry is targeted
• Examine the Unemployment Trust Fund. NC currently owes $2.6 billion to the federal government. The Chamber encourages the creation of a solution that addresses sustainability and solvency.
Education/Workforce
• Support early education; more flexibility for local school boards and community colleges to make decisions on innovative programs, lottery funds, and budget decisions; and restoring to the University of North Carolina System the management flexibility needed to manage budget reductions and to retain and recruit university employees.

2012 State Agenda

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Support programs and state legislation to help all businesses, irrespective of size, to create and maintain jobs, including tax incentive strategies, grants and an expand the small business preference for companies seeking contracts with the state
• Supports the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as a sovereign nation that has determined what is in the best interest of its citizens, in their efforts to amend their Tribal Gaming Compact with the State of North Carolina to permit live dealers at their gaming tables. (Approved by Chamber Board October 10-21-11) Encourage leadership to move forward with a live gaming agreement and address the agreement during the Short Session.
• Oppose efforts to erode NC’s Right-to-work laws
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
• Support early education; more flexibility for local school boards and community colleges to make decisions on innovative programs, lottery funds, and budget decisions; and restoring to the University of North Carolina System the management flexibility needed to manage budget reductions and to retain and recruit university employees.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
• Request the completion of the I-26 Connector Project, including aesthetics design components
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
• Support incentives and programs to enhance green building and energy conservation efforts
FISCAL ISSUES
• Support tax reform efforts resulting in “across the board” tax rate reductions- broadening the tax base to help lower rates for businesses and individuals; eliminating special tax breaks, simplify compliance, and ensure no specific industry is targeted
HEALTHCARE
• Support legislation that reforms Medicaid without loss of benefit or cost shifting to business
• Support improved access for patients and fair payment for providers, including mental health services



2012 Federal Priorities

1. Tax Reform & Job Creation
• Encourage pro-growth tax policies that preserve American’s global competiveness and support businesses’ ability to grow, invest and create jobs. Broaden the tax base to help lower rates for individuals and corporations, eliminate special tax breaks, simplify compliance, and ensure no specific industry is targeted
• Support state efforts to provide incentives and job training to attract and grow jobs, including more directed support to community colleges for workforce training and education
• Support programs and state legislation to help all businesses, irrespective of size, to create and maintain jobs, including tax incentive strategies and grants
• Support the critical infrastructure needs of the Blue Ridge Parkway to maintain this key economic development driver in the region
2. Energy/Alternative Energy and Regulations
• Encourage pro-growth energy action that increases diverse energy supplies, supports the development of alternative fuels, reduces the cost of energy, improves efficiency, and promotes environmental stewardship while putting Americans back to work.
• Ensure that the EPA evaluates economic impact and job loss in its regulations, as is currently required by all major environment laws
• Support efforts by Congress to craft comprehensive environmental legislation which reduces greenhouse gas emissions
and protects our economic competitiveness and quality of life. We recognize that members of Congress are held accountable to constituents for decisions on cost and impact and federal agencies such as the EPA do not have the same accountability for economic consequences
3. Education Funding
• Provide more directed support to community colleges for workforce training and education
• Strengthen the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and other key programs
• Preserve the current maximum Pell Grant award for qualified students
• Preserve current funding levels for research grants and contracts with universities
• Improve the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps; support special emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), U.S. history and economics, investment in school improvement, and encourage innovation.
4. Healthcare
• Preserve and enhance funding for medical research for NIH (National Institute of Health), CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), and AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) to promote associated economic development in WNC. Expand the number of Graduate Medical Education residency slots available to NC to address growing physician shortages; protect healthcare providers from arbitrary payment reductions that result in cost shift.
• Encourage business involvement during the development, implementation and administration of the federally mandated NC Health Benefit Exchange for individuals and small businesses.
5. Transportation
• Support multi-year legislation to provide long-term funding for states to undertake major infrastructure projects. We appreciate the Senate’s passage of MAP-21 (S 1813) , a two-year, $109 billion reauthorization bill that also makes reforms to eliminate inefficiencies and infuses $1 billion to boost the Department of Transportation’s innovative transportation program (road and bridge improvements transit upgrades; freight, port and rail expansions; and new options for bicyclists and pedestrians) We encourage the US House to pass companion legislation to avoid shutdown of highway and transit programs when SAFETEA-LU expires on March 31, 2012.

Public Policy Update: NCGA Special Session

The North Carolina General Assembly was back in Raleigh November 27-30 for a special session, and the Asheville Chamber was on the ground making sure the voice of Western North Carolina business was heard.

North Carolina legislatures arrived in Raleigh on Sunday and got the November special session underway at 8 pm on Sunday night. Throughout the session, which ended Tuesday (November 30), legislatures worked on key legislation for WNC.

The Asheville Chamber was particularly excited to see HB 796 receive approval from both the House and Senate. HB 796 changes North Carolina’s alcohol law and will allow breweries that brew more than 25,000 barrels of beer to self-distribute their product at the brewery location. This bill is pivotal for potential job creation in Buncombe and Henderson counties.

The Chamber would like to give a big thank you to Representative Tim Moffitt, Representative Chuck McGrady, Senator Tom Apodaca, and Senator Martin Nesbitt for their hard work on this legislation.

The Chamber was also pleased to see the Governor’s compact with the Eastern Band of Cherokee come through on Monday. The compact will modify NC's gambling law to allow live dealers in Cherokee and will produce needed jobs in WNC. The Chamber will be working hard to see that the General Assembly approves this job creating legislation as soon as possible.

The special session saw additional action with the Senate repealing the Racial Justice Act (SB 9) and the House passing legislation to cap the gas tax (HB 645). In the coming weeks be looking for the Governor’s veto to come on the repeal of the racial justice act and expect no action on the gas tax cap as the Senate decided not to take up the bill.

The General Assembly is scheduled to return to Raleigh February 16-18.

The Chamber will work hard to keep you updated on the happenings at the NCGA. If you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.

Action Alert: Chamber's Voice Heard in DC

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Utility MACT rule is awaiting implementation and scheduled to be finalized by December 2011.

The EPA’s Utility MACT rule requires an untimely decrease in mercury emissions by power plants. The Asheville Chamber recently asked President Obama, his Cabinet and the EPA to first consider the implications on North Carolina business and jobs the Utility MACT rule will have if implemented.

Economists are predicting the MACT (scheduled to begin in December) will drive up prices for the power sector, manufacturers and other industries vital to NC. The Asheville Chamber encourages the President remain diligent in safeguarding our environment while also protecting businesses and working families.

US Senate takes Action:

Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Dan Coats (R-Ind.) introduced the bipartisan “Fair Compliance Act” to create reasonable timelines and benchmarks for utilities to comply with two major Environmental Protection Agency to protect jobs and keep utility rates stable. The legislation would extend the compliance deadline for the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) by three years and the deadline for the Utility MACT rule by two years – so that both would fall on January 1, 2017. Our federal delegation can help to delay this rule to give the appropriate time to assess the impact by supporting Senate Bill 1833.

How You Can Help

Contact the President and EPA

Due to the limited time we have to ensure our message is heard, we cannot afford to rely on the post office to deliver your letter. Additionally, White House security can often delay the delivery of letters to their recipients. So instead, please e-mail a .PDF copy of your letter to: E-mail Address: vjarrett@who.eop.gov

The Honorable Valerie B. Jarrett
Senior Advisor to the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20015

The Honorable Lisa Jackson
Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460


Contact your Federal Delegation

Our federal delegation can help to delay the Utility MACT to give the appropriate time to assess the impact of the Utility MACT rule by supporting Senate Bill 1833. Call your elected officials today.

Senator Richard Burr: (202) 224-3154

Senator Kay Hagan: (202) 224-6342

Congressman Heath Shuler: (202) 225-6401

Congressman Patrick McHenry: (202) 225-2576

Public Policy Update: NCGA Special Session

The Asheville Area Chamber represents the voice of Western North Carolina business. The Chamber was on the ground monitoring legislation in Raleigh last week for the North Carolina General Assembly’s special session.

The special session convened Monday, September 12, 2011 and lasted three days. The three days of session saw Republicans passing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the recognition of same sex marriage in North Carolina. The legislation was hotly debated and passed the House first before being approved in the Senate.

Due to the legislation involving a change in the North Carolina Constitution, this legislation does not require the approval of the governor and will appear before the people of the state for approval in May's primary election.

Republican members also worked to pass a term limit on General Assembly leadership. However, agreement could not be achieved on the length of the limit between the House and Senate. Thus, the legislation is expected to be taken up when the NCGA returns for another special session November 7, 2011.

The Asheville Chamber will continue to keep you informed of the legislation that can affect you and your business. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber’s Manager of Public Policy Jeff Joyce with any questions or concerns at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.

Chamber Provides Input on HB 800

The Asheville Chamber and the Economic Development Coalition provided recommendations and input on HB 800 this week at the North Carolina General Assembly. HB 800 seeks to redesign and reorganize the way economic development would take place in North Carolina.

HB 800 was introduced by Representative Murry of Wake County and was cosponsored by Representative Moffitt of Buncombe County. You can see the legislation here. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce joined the North Carolina Chamber, Raleigh Chamber and the North Carolina Economic Developers Association to provide input on the bill.

The Chamber made these six recommendations for the legislation:

1) We would prefer not to place the needs of business - economic development efforts under the university system
2) We would like to see strong emphasis on client -customer service (efficiency- fast response and incentives) – i.e.- a goal such as an incentive package in 2 business days
3) Heavy emphasis on investment -return on investment
4) Rely on regional partnerships- not 100 counties
5) Ask clients how we can improve our services
6) Thomas Ticknor’s Report: Implement outside resources to critique North Carolina's economic development tactics

The Chamber would like to thank Rep. Murry for his service to North Carolina and desire to work with and hear from business organizations.

The Public Policy department is constantly watching and tracking the hundreds of bills introduced at the legislature. If there is legislation you are interested in please contact Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.

The Asheville Area Chamber goes to Raleigh

The voice of Western North Carolina business was in Raleigh this week. The Asheville Area Chamber, Haywood County Chamber, and Henderson County Chamber of Commerce joined forces on a legislative visit to the General Assembly.

The chambers led a delegation of 50 community leaders to meet with the North Carolina General Assembly leadership and our Western North Carolina Delegation. The group met with Speaker of the House Thom Tillis’s Chief of Staff and Senator Pro Tem Phil Berger.

These meetings offered a platform to convey the legislative priorities of our region. These include regulatory reform for small business, protecting funding for education, incentives for green business, and tax reform.

The delegation was also able to thank our Senators and Representatives from Western North Carolina by hosting a reception for these hardworking individuals. The visit provided a great opportunity for the Asheville community to make our voice heard at the capitol.