BOISE METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2017 WHERE WE STAND Legislative Agenda Policy Positions

WWW.BOISECHAMBER.ORG 208.472.5205 boise metro chamber of commerce Chamber Advocacy 2017 Organization for Advocacy Team

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board of Advisors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Bill Connors POLICY COMMITTEE President & CEO Scott Madison Brad Street Intermountain Gas Albertsons Company Chair-Elect Bruce Newcomb Chairman Boise State University

Health Food & Ag Travel Financial Small Care Industry Industry Services Business Board Board Board Board Advisory Ray Stark Council Senior Vice President, Government & Community Relations/Events

Scott Kreiling Tracy Hitchcock Sandy Clark Gerald Hunter Martin Ackerman Regence BlueShield Create Common Lamar Airport Idaho Housing and Signs By Tomorrow of Idaho Good Advertising Finance Association

Caroline Merritt Government Education/ Transportation Nonprofit Director, Public Affairs Workforce Committee Council Relations Committee Committee

Marnie Packard Molly Lenty Kate Eldridge Steve Woodworth SelectHealth Wells Fargo HDR, Inc. Idaho Youth Ranch Bank, N.A.

John Watts Partner Paul Powell Lisa Grow ENERGY Veritas Advisors Petroglyph Energy, Inc. Idaho Power Company TASK Co-Chair Co-Chair Idaho Chamber FORCE Alliance Lobbyist

*Through May 2017 2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Business Happens Here. ®

SUPPORT FUNDING FOR THE STATE’S CAREER SUPPORT AN IDAHO HEALTH TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM INSURANCE SOLUTION An appropriation of $3.7 million will continue to increase To avoid cost shifting to the talent pipeline for current openings in high demand businesses with health insurance, jobs in health care, information technology, manufacturing adequate reimbursement for the and many other careers. This will continue the reduction delivery of medical services is of student waiting lists and provide trained workers for important for Idaho hospitals and Idaho business. the healthcare community, as well as businesses that provide coverage to their employees. SUPPORT FUNDING FOR BOISE STATE’S CENTER The Chamber appreciates the efforts of the interim FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE legislative work group and will review proposals during the Legislative Session. Support $10 million from the Permanent Building Fund for the Center for CONTINUE REDUCTION OF THE STATE’S Materials Science Building at Boise State University. A facility for CORPORATE INCOME TAX materials science will elevate the The corporate income tax of 7.4% is still higher than program to national prominence surrounding states. Idaho has been eliminated from and enhance the growth of high-tech consideration for economic development projects based science in Idaho. With $40 million on this tax rate alone. The rate could gradually be reduced from university and private donations, the over several years. One innovative approach could be to total project cost would be $50 million. “buy down” the tax rate only after state government is funded at a certain level and the savings accounts are SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR replenished. INVESTMENT SUPPORT ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION The Chamber supports maintaining Tax Reimbursement FUNDING Incentive (TRI) legislation that has directly led to thousands of new jobs in Idaho. The Chamber will review The Chamber thanks the 2015 new proposals for bonding infrastructure using voter- Legislature for increasing the motor approved local option and review the recommendations fuel tax and registration fees to of the Legislature’s Urban Renewal Interim Committee to partially address maintaining the protect this tool for future urban investment. State’s roads and bridges. Since the 2-year ‘surplus eliminator’ CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR IMPROVING will sunset, the 2017 Legislature EDUCATION should approve additional revenue proposals to fund the state’s To be competitive in the world- transportation system. wide economy and skilled labor for Idaho businesses it REVIEW EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES is important in meeting the statewide goal of 60% of high The Chamber supports pre-kindergarten legislation and school graduates eventually will review early learning proposals in the 2017 Legislature. acquiring a certificate, 2-year More Idaho children need to be ready to learn when or 4-year degree. The Chamber they enter kindergarten under a program that features supports the Legislature’s continued parental choice, local control and collaborative funding. implementation of education improvements. The Chamber supports the State Board of Education’s request for $10 WWW.BOISECHAMBER.ORG million for Outcomes-Based Funding. This phased approach will allocate funds based on students’ successful completion 208.472.5205 of college programs, such as degrees and certificates. 3 pay and government to collect. Nearly 6,000 businesses continue to pay ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TAX this onerous and inefficient tax. Increasing the exemption to $500,000 would be an important next step in the process to completely eliminate POLICIES AND INITIATIVES the tax. Personal property consists of items used by business, such as furniture, machinery, tools, desks, computers, etc. Personal property 1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR INVESTMENT: exempt from taxation includes household items, personal The Chamber supports maintaining the Tax Reimbursement Incentive vehicles, livestock, medical equipment and many other items. (TRI) legislation that has directly led to thousands of new jobs in Idaho. The Legislature should take into account the revenue impact to local The Chamber will review new proposals for bonding infrastructure using governments when continuing the phased elimination. voter-approved local option taxation. The Chamber supports protecting tax increment financing as a tool for urban investment. The Chamber 8. PRODUCTION EXEMPTION: Support retention of the sales tax supports the Idaho Opportunity Fund to provide financial assistance for exemption on tangible personal property used in the production infrastructure and equipment to local governments which are working process. This pertains to materials, supplies and equipment used with new or existing companies to grow jobs and investment in the directly in the production process by manufacturers, farmers and other state. producers.

2. CONTINUED REDUCTION OF THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX: 9. SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS: Support the preservation of essential Idaho’s corporate income tax rate has been reduced sales tax exemptions that benefit the economy, including removing to 7.4% but is still considered too high to be the sunset for the exemption for parts for repair of out-of-state competitive with other states for some aircraft. The Chamber opposes the expansion of sales tax on services business attraction projects. Idaho has while continuing to analyze the changing nature of the economy been eliminated from consideration and the trend toward more service transactions and Internet sales. for economic development projects based on this tax rate alone. The rate 10. MULTI-USE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY: could gradually be reduced over several A multi-use facility near downtown years. One innovative approach could Boise is important for economic be to “buy down” the tax rate after state development, sports and government is funded at a certain level and the entertainment. Such a facility savings accounts are replenished. could be used for a minor league baseball franchise, youth sports 3. AN IDAHO HEALTH INSURANCE SOLUTION: To avoid cost tournaments for soccer, baseball, shifting to businesses with health insurance, adequate reimbursement football and lacrosse, musical for the delivery of medical services is important for Idaho hospitals and concerts, special events, corporate the healthcare community, as well as businesses that provide coverage events, ceremonies and festivals. to their employees. The Chamber appreciates the efforts of the interim legislative work group and will review proposals during the Legislative 11. BOISE LIBRARIES: The City of Boise’s has completed four branch Session. libraries from a combination of renovations of existing buildings and new construction. 4. STATE-OPERATED HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE: In the future, the Chamber looks An insurance exchange is a one-stop marketplace for individuals and forward to reviewing a proposal for small employers to shop for and buy health insurance policies, in a downtown main library facility. response to a federal mandate. The Chamber supports maintaining the state operated exchange rather than a federal operated and 12. LOCAL OPTION TAXATION: controlled exchange so that Idaho can maintain primacy over the state’s In the past, the Chamber has private health insurance market. This ensures a meaningful role for supported legislation to allow a independent brokers and an open competitive market to help increase voter-approved, local option sales the number of Idahoans insured through private insurance. tax to fund regional public transportation and other transportation improvements. In 2008, the House of 5. IDAHO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND: Representatives approved a general local option constitutional The training fund is an important economic development tool amendment for cities and counties but it was held in a Senate in the state of Idaho. Its objectives are to 1)provide funding committee. The Chamber opposed this constitutional amendment to help train new employees as being unnecessary and unduly stringent. The Governor’s for expanding companies; and 2) Transportation Task Force included local option as a mechanism to provide upgraded skill training for fund transportation in its report to the Governor and Legislature in late current workers who are at risk 2010. The Chamber’s 2011 and 2013 Leadership Conferences focused of being permanently laid off. on local funding mechanisms for major community projects, including The training fund helps existing transportation. In 2012, a Chamber InterCity Visit to Oklahoma City companies expand and helps attract reviewed that city’s success with several voter-approved sales tax new business to Idaho. Current initiatives to fund many significant community projects. The Chamber Idaho law extends the sunset clause to will review bonding options from voter-approved local option. January 1, 2018. 13. AIR QUALITY: Support the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council’s 6. CONFORM WITH THE IRS TAX CODE: The Chamber, plan to improve the air quality in the Treasure Valley. In addition to insofar as appropriate, annually supports maintaining economic development, cleaner air is important for breathability, compatibility of Idaho’s tax code with the federal tax code. natural beauty, recreation use and livability. The air shed is nearing Implementing legislation is considered by the . its capacity for several pollutants that are monitored by federal and state governments under the Clean Air Act. These pollutants include: Support the 7. ELIMINATION OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX: nitrogen oxide (ozone) from vehicle emissions and other combustion; elimination of the personal property tax, an onerous tax for business to particulate matter from agriculture, vehicle emissions and burning; 4 and carbon monoxide from vehicle emissions. 14. BOISE AIRPORT AND GOWEN FIELD: units. The air base is the largest, operational military facility in Support development of the Boise Idaho. Its economic impact on Southwest Idaho totals over one Airport and Gowen Field for additional billion dollars with an economic multiplier. The air base provides commercial air service and military extensive support to the Idaho Air and Army National Guard. activity for the Idaho National Guard. Current airport activity includes 15. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY (INL): Support expansion commercial, corporate and general of INL’s mission to support the science, engineering and operations aviation, air cargo, National Interagency Fire needs of the U.S. Department of Energy Center (NIFC), Idaho backcountry operations and other agencies and organizations and military operations. Additional airport activities through the application of key include increased air service, non-stop routes and air cargo operations. technological capabilities, Future military mission for the Idaho Air Guard could include an operations including nuclear research. squadron for the F-35. Future construction of a third runway south of Gowen Support the Center for Road would enhance aviation and military uses and air cargo operations. Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a unique, collaborative • Support Additional Non-Stop Air Service at the Boise Airport partnership between INL and • Support F-15 or F-35 aircraft at Gowen Field for the Idaho Air National Guard the University of Idaho, Boise State • Support Construction of the Third Runway for Boise Airport and Military Uses University and Idaho State University. • Support Development of Significant Air Cargo Services at the Boise Airport Leverage CAES infrastructure, equipment and expertise to educate Idaho’s energy workforce, promote energy efficiency and deliver innovative, cost-effective, and credible energy research.

16. IDAHO’S TECHNOLOGY SECTOR: Support the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM). The IGEMs initiative is increasing the research capacity of Idaho’s universities in several areas and is MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE: Support operation of the air developing a consortium of industry, university and government base as an important, established asset to the U.S. Department of Defense partnerships. These economic drivers will generate globally as it trains pilots, tests aircraft and maintains combat readiness for the U.S. competitive technologies, high-paying jobs, new startups and an Air Force. Continue to support the deployment of the F-15 and F-16 fighter expanded tax base.

TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES FOR COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONGESTION MITIGATION*

BOISE AIRPORT, RAILROADS, & ECONOMIC IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (ITD) CONTINUED: DEVELOPMENT: • State Highway 44-State Street: Various projects and corridor preservation • Air service expansion and strategic airport economic development projects. from City of Eagle, west to Middleton and Interstate I-84. • Freight transfer station integrating air, highway and rail components. • U.S. Highway 20/26 to Caldwell: Corridor preservation from Eagle Road, • Aviation missions at Gowen Field for the Idaho Air and Army National Guard. west to Caldwell and Interstate I-84. • State Highway 16 Extension/Central Valley Expressway: Support funding for SH-16 extension from US 20/26 (Chinden) to Interstate I-84 with new ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY interchange. DISTRICT (ACHD): • Improve the One-Mile Arterial Grid VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT: System: Enhance north-south (Cole, • Multi-Modal Transportation Center: Support a transit center to Maple Grove, Cloverdale) and east- implement the adopted downtown mobility plan and future regional west (Ustick, McMillan, Victory) mobility transit alternatives and options. to a multi-lane system. • Expanded Regional Public Transportation Services: Support the revenue • Support Fairview Ave. improvements, including reconstruction of the necessary to build and maintain a robust regional public transportation Cole-Fairview Intersection. Other intersection and signal improvements system as envisioned in the Valley Regional Transit’s “ValleyConnect” to be made before medians are considered. strategic plan. • Downtown Boise Implementation: Conversion of selected one-way streets • State Street Vision: Support the transportation investments on this to two-way and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian improvements. important east-west corridor north of the Boise River to assure a multi- • Major Intersection Improvements, including 36th Street/Hill Road and modal solution as recommended in the Transit and Traffic Operations State Street/Collister. Cole/Fairview Intersection is referenced above. Plan adopted by the region’s local governments. • Lake Hazel Extension to Cole Road, followed by planning to support eventual extension east to the I-84 / Isaacs Canyon Interchange. LEGISLATION AND FUNDING ISSUES: • Bogus Basin Road improvements from the Federal Lands Access Program. • Support increased revenue to fund maintenance and system improvements for Idaho’s transportation infrastructure. COMPASS: COMMUNITY PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF • Support multi-year reauthorization and increased revenue for the federal SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO: transportation program. • High Capacity Corridor Analysis to identify mobility options and • Support Legislative authorization of voter-approved local option sales reasonable transit alternatives on selected corridors (Hwy 44-State tax for economic development purposes, including major community Street, Hwy 20/26-Chinden, I-84, rail line). projects, surface transportation and public transportation. • Support utilization of STAR (state tax anticipation revenue) funding for IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (ITD): transportation projects. • Broadway Avenue Bridge: Replace existing river crossing; add lanes, • Support investment in improved safety and mobility for non-vehicle pedestrian and bike facilities. transportation alternatives, such as pedestrian and bicycle. • Eagle Road Improvements: Additional traffic lanes and turn lanes utilizing STAR (state tax anticipation revenue) funding. *As of 2013, will update in 2017 8. HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Support the delivery EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE POLICIES of higher education programs important to the workforce AND INITIATIVES development for our regional economy by public and private institutions of higher education in the metro area.

1. CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS: 9. SCHOOL FACILITY BONDS: When necessary, review and Additional appropriations will increase develop a recommendation on school facility bond proposals the talent pipeline for current by the Boise School District and the West Ada School District. openings in high demand jobs in health care, information 10. STEM ACTION CENTER: technology, manufacturing and Support the initiatives of the Stem many other careers. This will Action Canter to coordinate reduce student waiting lists and the statewide efforts of provide trained workers for Idaho private industry and the State business. Department of Education, Idaho Career Technical Education and 2. EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS: To be competitive in the educators to support science, technology, world-wide economy and skilled labor for Idaho businesses engineering and math in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. it is important in meeting the statewide goal of 60% of high school graduates eventually acquiring a certificate, 2-year 11. WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: Support programs and seminars or 4-year degree. The Chamber supports the Legislature’s for chamber members highlighting the importance of continued implementation of education improvements. workplace flexibility as a strategy to enhance businesses’ competitive advantage in the global economy and to help 3. BOISE STATE’S CENTER FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE: Support both employers and employees succeed. $10 million from the Permanent Building Fund for the Center for Materials Science Building at Boise State University. A facility for materials science will elevate ENERGY POLICIES the program to national prominence and enhance the growth of high-tech science in 1. Support the exploration and Idaho. With $40 million from development of a variety of energy university and private donations, sources, including hydro, natural the total project cost would be $50 million. gas, nuclear and alternative 4. EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES: The Chamber has supported pre- sources (wind, solar, biomass kindergarten legislation in the past and will review early learning and geothermal). Advocate for a proposals in the 2017 Legislature. More Idaho children need to be simplified land leasing process for ready to learn when they enter kindergarten under a program that exploration and development. features parental choice, local control and collaborative funding. 2. Support the generation of energy from hydro power (including 5. IDAHO CORE STANDARDS: These education standards are the support for dam relicensing) natural gas, coal, wind, solar, biomass, result of a voluntary, state-led effort to develop college and career geothermal and nuclear. ready standards to increase the depth of knowledge, skills and 3. Support transmission of energy through improving infrastructure, abilities of Idaho students. To be competitive in the world-wide including construction of electrical lines and construction or economy, maintaining these standards are important in meeting extension of natural gas pipelines. the statewide goal of 60% of high school graduates eventually acquiring a certificate, 2-year or 4-year degree. 4. Support the efficient use of energy through conservation programs and green building design. 6. BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY: Support Boise State University’s mission to be a “Metropolitan Research University” through 5. Support maintaining Idaho’s overall low cost and reliable supply specific funding requests and facility appropriations. Potential of energy through exploration, development, generation, funding requests could include engineering, computer science and transmission and conservation. nursing. The development of strong research infrastructure will ultimately benefit the regional economy and the goals of the Boise 6. Support energy-related economic development and educational Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP). initiatives. Support the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) at the Idaho National Laboratory and the Energy Efficiency 7. COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO (CWI): Research Institute Center (EERI) at Boise State University. Support funding for education programs and appropriate facilities 7. Endorse the 2012 State Energy Plan and the continued efforts for the College of Western Idaho. of the Idaho Office of Energy Resources and its Strategic Energy Alliance. A campus master plan is being completed which details the future facility needs on the Canyon County Campus and Ada County Campus. WWW.BOISECHAMBER.ORG 208.472.5205 6 CONTACT INFORMATION:

GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PHONE EMAIL Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter (R) 208-334-2100 [email protected] Lieutenant Governor Brad Little (R) 208-334-2200 [email protected]

ADA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS District 1 - Jim Tibbs (R) 208-287-7000 [email protected] District 2 - Rick Visser (R) 208-287-7000 [email protected] District 3 - Dave Case (R) 208-287-7000 [email protected]

CITY MAYORS Boise - Mayor David Bieter 208-384-4422 [email protected] Eagle - Mayor Stan Ridgeway 208-939-6813 [email protected] Garden City - Mayor John Evans 208-472-2900 [email protected] Kuna - Mayor Joe Stear 208-922-5546 [email protected] Meridian - Mayor Tammy de Weerd 208-888-4439 [email protected] Star - Mayor Chad Bell 208-286-7247 [email protected]

COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO (CWI) TRUSTEES Stan Bastian 208-562-3249 [email protected] Mark Dunham 208-562-3249 [email protected] Mary (M.C.) Niland 208-562-3249 [email protected] Skip Smyser 208-562-3249 [email protected] Emily Walton 208-562-3249 [email protected]

ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT (ACHD) COMMISSIONERS District 1 - Jim Hansen 208-387-6135 [email protected] District 2 - Rebecca Arnold 208-387-6110 [email protected] District 3 - Paul Woods 208-387-6110 [email protected] District 4 - Kent Goldthorpe 208-387-6110 [email protected] District 5 - Sara Baker 208-866-4068 [email protected]

IDAHO STATE LEGISLATORS District 14: Senator (R) 208-867-5643 [email protected] Representative (R) 208-286-7842 [email protected] Representative Gayann DeMordaunt (R) 208-938-4845 [email protected]

District 15: Senator Fred Martin (R) 208-327-0171 [email protected] Representative Lynn Luker (R) 208-343-0022 [email protected] Representative: Patrick McDonald (R) 208-332-1176 [email protected]

District 16: Senator (D) 208-345-2654 [email protected] Representative John McCrostie (D) 208-440-8317 [email protected] Representative (D) 208-343-8465 [email protected]

District 17: Senator Maryanne Jordan (D) 208-859-1931 [email protected] Representative John Gannon (D) 208-433-0629 [email protected] Representative (D) 208-344-0098 [email protected]

District 18: Senator Janie Ward-Engelking (D) 208-861-6434 [email protected] Representative (D) 208-332-1034 [email protected] Representative (D) 208-344-0202 [email protected]

District 19: Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb (D) 208-861-5482 [email protected] Representative Mat Erpelding (D) 208-856-0291 [email protected] Representative (D) 208-332-1076 [email protected]

District 20: Senator (R) 208-853-9090 [email protected] Representative (R) 208-887-9488 [email protected] Representative (R) 208-284-9542 [email protected]

District 21: Senator Cliff Bayer (R) 208-362-5058 [email protected] Representative Steven Harris (R) 208-861-8638 [email protected] Representative Tom Dayley (R) 208-562-0276 [email protected]

District 22: Senator (R) 208-779-2022 [email protected] Representative (R) 208-888-3003 [email protected] Representative (R) 208-884-8684 [email protected] 7 ®

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