2013 Statewide Legislative Agenda For Arizona Business

Transcription

1 2013 Statewide Legislative Agenda For Arizona Business Advance tax policies that encourage job creation, attract capital investment, and facilitate Arizona s ability to attract and retain businesses in diverse industries. Oppose efforts to balance the state s general fund by sweeping dedicated funds that were collected from specific taxpayers for targeted purposes. Continuously improve education at all levels so that students have the necessary skills for success in the global economy. Business Priorities Support reform of the current litigation system including tort reform and greater use of alternative dispute resolution to reduce costs to business. Maintain a Structurally Balanced Budget Support sustainable policies to maintain a balanced budget. In addition, recognize that continued bold and immediate action is required to resolve any future Arizona budget deficits to prevent serious, prolonged economic harm. Discourage significant expenditure increases to all non-essential programs and activities. Oppose state budget proposals that would reduce economic development capacity and impair tourism dollars. In addition, oppose cost shifting to the private sector through reductions in funding for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Oppose efforts to reduce state shared revenues. Reform the initiative process to increase transparency, prevent abuses, and prevent further limitations on the legislature s ability to set the state budget, including: Requiring pre-circulation review of language, content, and constitutionality of initiatives; Periodically reauthorize initiatives that have tax/budget impact to ensure flexibility in budgeting and adjustment for economic conditions; Instituting a ballot title and summary review board; Accelerating the deadline for initiative petitions to be filed with the Secretary of State; Reducing fraud in the petition signature gathering process; and Prospectively modifying Proposition 105 as passed in Explore private-public partnerships opportunities to increase productivity and reduce costs. Support continued restructuring of public employee total compensation packages.

2 Create a Competitive and Sustainable Economic Development Environment Support the permanent repeal of the state equalization property tax. Support long-term tax reforms designed to spur job creation and retention. Support prospectively equalizing the property tax assessment ratio. Oppose federal law and regulatory preemptions that will place additional burdens and costs on business. Support the Arizona Commerce Authority in implementing a long-term business development plan focusing on economically sustainable, high-wage growth industries. Support programs and policies which will make Arizona an obvious choice for continued investment by the Department of Defense and private corporations in the defense research, development and production sector. Place a priority on tax policies that create jobs and facilitate economic growth. Oppose federal sequestration that would cause serious reduction in military Oppose new government regulations that would impede business innovation or efficiency. To that end, continue the temporary moratorium on all new agency rulemakings that are not required by federal law or necessary for public health and safety. Streamline and expedite permitting processes at all levels of government so that it is easier to start and expand a new business. Oppose legislation that would create unnecessary and costly new obligations for business, limit the freedom to contract, or installations, missions or contracts in Arizona. Encourage Regulatory Accountability A Multimedia Production Tax Credit will provide an economic stimulus program focused on new job creation for the state of Arizona. This new program will also attract television series production which brings long term job creation. We support administration of the program through Arizona Commerce Authority. Support legislation that provides an economic development tool to enable communities to finance development for a specific area according to a citizen-approved plan using local property tax revenues and/or local sales tax revenues in a voter-approved local Revenue Allocation Authority. increase litigation under the guise of consumer protection. Eliminate public financing for Arizona s Clean Elections system.

3 Maintain a Flexible, Readily Available & Competitive Workforce Oppose federal legislation that would deny employees the right to a secret ballot before union representation is imposed upon them. Develop an equitable and understandable education finance policy that promotes world class school systems with funding that is equitable, evidence based, and provides for innovation necessary to support higher student achievement levels. Support federal policies that provide for visa reform, reinforce education attainment and contribute to the overall economic vitality of the state of Arizona. In addition, support policies to properly seal our porous borders, respond to the needs of the economy, and address the issue of illegal immigrants already in the United States. Expedite the technology infrastructure for the unemployment insurance system to ensure efficiencies. Ensure Ample and Affordable Energy Supplies and Natural Resources Make certain that any system put forward by any level of government to address climate change does not transfer wealth out of Arizona or artificially increase costs for energy producers or consumers. Any regional or state rule or regulation should not be more stringent than those at the federal level. Remove barriers to and incentivize, rather than mandate, the expansion of clean and renewable energy so that Arizona can become a leader in this emerging industry. Support the creation of state economic incentives for sustainability initiatives, including LEED Certification, solar, renewable and clean energy. Resume full funding to maintain the Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF). Oppose federal regional haze regulations that are based on visibility standards not perceptible to the human eye, do not result in significant health benefits and increase costs on businesses and consumers. Improve Access to and Affordability of Health Care Statewide Manage and fund the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in a balanced manner that maximizes the number of individuals insured and is fiscally responsible. Support sustainable measures that reduce uncompensated care and the number of uninsured. Continue to improve the medical malpractice system in order to curb lawsuit abuse and reduce the costs of litigation. Progress in this area will help retain and attract more health care professionals to Arizona and reduce the health care costs. Support efforts to train and recruit physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals in both rural and urban areas

4 of the state. Expand, when possible, education training programs and hospital residencies. Oppose unnecessary state regulations, cost shifting, coverage requirements and government mandates. Rather than defaulting to the federal government, implement an Arizona-based state health care exchange that will allow the state flexibility in insurance choices. Secure Adequate Funding for Statewide Transportation Needs Support and accelerate the pace of statewide highway and road construction to facilitate intrastate, interstate and international commerce, and reduce congestion. Connecting Arizona s metropolitan and rural areas for business, tourism, and leisure travel by multi-modal systems that increase economic growth, reduce traffic, and enhance quality of life. Ensure that dedicated transportation funds are used only for transportation projects, airport facilities, and waterways. Advocate for a federal highway bill that provides Arizona with a fair share of funds for roads, highways, rail, and other transportation needs. If legislation or regulation regarding air quality is proposed, ensure that is provides business and citizens with incentives and multiple options to meet federal standards. Reduce and eventually eradicate sweeps of Highway User Revolving Fund (HURF), Vehicle License Tax (VLT), State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) and aviation funds for the purpose of balancing budgets, and funding non-transportation related programs.

5 Endorsed by Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Glendale Chamber of Commerce Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce For more information, please contact Telephone: (602) Website: