2003 Issues Summary

 

 

Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce 2003 Legislative Policy Summary

 

Education

 

1. Continue to support equity funding for all areas at Idaho State University and ISU College of Technology.
2. We support the development and carrying out of education achievement standards, assessment programs and accountability systems.
3. We support the Governor’s proposal for no further cuts to higher education and public education.
4. We support the Governor’s proposed bonding for $68 million in building projects that were previously agreed upon.

 

Taxes

 

1. The Chamber supports annual tax conformance with the federal tax code for a more reliable and simpler tax policy.
2. To promote economic activities in the state, the Chamber encourages the preservation of the 2001 tax reduction package.
3. While we generally do not support increases in Idaho tax rates, we recognize the current financial dilemma that the State of Idaho is facing.  Recognizing the decline in state revenues’, due to the economic recession, and recognizing the need to adequately fund K-12 education, higher education, and other essential state programs, we support the Governor’s proposal to temporarily increase the sales tax, to be sunset in no more than 3 years, and to support an increase in the cigarette tax. 

 

Commerce, Industry, Transportation, Etc.

1. Provide and support transportation legislation that will enhance economic development, marketability and promote business.
2. Provide legislation that will promote venture capital funds to put Idaho in a position to compete for economic development.
3. Support economic development tools including the investment tax credit, R & D tax credit, and broadband tax credit. 
4. Provide for sufficient energy supply to allow Idaho to become an energy independent state.  Both quality and reliability should be a regulated matter.  Research and development activities for nuclear or other alternative energies should be actively promoted both legislatively and in the regulatory arena.
5. We support the efforts of the 2020 Blue Ribbon Task Force to continue to pursue short-term and long-term reforms to the Idaho State Government.
6. Continue to review options and alternatives in order to balance the state budget.
7. The Chamber supports a freeze on unemployment insurance tax rates.
8. The Chamber supports legislation, which allows creation of a Port Authority to encompass all counties and authority districts.