2018 Legislative Priorities

IMPLEMENTING THE VISION Creating a Nationally Recognized Economy

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is driven to build a nationally Greatest Challenge recognized economy. To do that, we must grow jobs, grow Attracting and retaining talent is the greatest challenge our wages, and grow population. The decisions made at the community faces in growing our economy. That is why our Council table, in the chambers of the Statehouse, and in the year-round advocacy and public policy efforts are geared to halls of Congress have a direct impact on whether—and help us compete on a national level for jobs and talent. how—we achieve these goals. That is why we aggressively advocate for public policy that creates an environment for Specifically, our legislative priorities focus on these five areas: business growth, talent recruitment, and community strength. • Economic & Community Development Community Pride • Transportation & Infrastructure • Entrepreneur & Business Development Successful communities take pride in—and invest in— • Education & Workforce Development themselves. If our community is to succeed, we must invest • Government Efficiency in our future by building strong, innovative partnerships between the private and public sectors. We need to The 2018 Legislative Agenda presents GFW Inc.’s policy redevelop distressed properties, reinvigorate our urban core position statements as well as our key legislative priorities. and neighborhoods, and create conditions for new, high- This agenda unites and advocates with one voice on behalf of wage job opportunities. By thinking strategically and acting Allen County’s business community. intentionally, we can build on our momentum and increase our community pride.

1 Table of Contents Reversing the Trend...... 3

Opportunity on the Edge of Greatness...... 4

2018 Legislative Priorities...... 5

Economic & Community Development...... 6

Transportation & Infrastructure...... 7

Entrepreneur & Business Development...... 8

Education & Workforce Development...... 9

Government Efficiency...... 10

How a State Bill Becomes Law...... 11

Make Your Voice Heard: Contact Information...... 13

Photo of: The Landing 2 REVERSING THE TREND

3 ELECTRIC WORKS opportunity on the $410 million edge of greatness 2017-2020

We believe: THE • People should have opportunities for higher paying jobs LANDING $35 million • Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana region are a “best-kept secret” 2017-2018 • 1.4 million people within a 60-mile radius depend on Fort Wayne • The U.S. needs Midwest leaders, and as the second-largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne needs to grow and constantly improve • There are winners and losers in economic development, and we are RIVER committed to winning FRONT • As leaders, we are responsible for continuing the momentum, and $100 million fostering community pride critical to growth 2017-2021

We support nine key principles: • Encourage bold vision, tenacious leadership, and broad civic infrastructure • Rally around our city EVENT • Engage and strengthen industry in a whole new way CENTER $105 million • Invest regionally to support quality of place 2019-2021 • Commit to visionary, market-based, and action-oriented transformation • Support public policy that creates a business-friendly climate and the ability to attract and retain a strong talent base • Finance regional transformation through a multifaceted approach STEAM • Build long-term partnerships with nonpartisan thinking PARK $180 million • Support higher-education partners, which are critical for 2021-2025 regional transformation 4

Local State Federal

Support the advancement of Support the adoption of the Regional Support the military presence Electric Works redevelopment, Development Tax Credit (RDTC). The in Northeast Indiana, including riverfront development, the RDTC would give every community maintaining a combat fighter Landing, a downtown event center, a tool to promote the revitalization mission for the 122nd Fighter and STEAM Park to build best- and redevelopment of distressed Wing at the Fort Wayne Air in-class amenities to attract and properties, enhancing quality National Guard Base retain talent and businesses of place Support the repeal of the Medical Support converting U.S. 30 into a Support local revenue enhancement Device Tax limited-access highway to improve opportunities to give communities connectivity in Northeast Indiana the tools to adequately fund capital Oppose overreaching improvement projects such as administrative rulemaking that Electric Works and a downtown unduly burdens small businesses event center to grow jobs, grow wages, and grow the economy

Enhance economic development tools and innovative programs such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Phase-Ins, and Certified Tech Parks to increase economic growth

Photo of: Electric Works

5 ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

GFW Inc. is focused on attracting new businesses to our community, helping our existing businesses grow, and creating best-in-class amenities to attract and retain talent. We encourage creative uses of resources to improve quality of place, maintain infrastructure, and provide an environment for businesses to succeed.

Support the adoption of the Regional Development Tax Credit (RDTC). The RDTC Support the continued efforts to update the would give every community a tool to county/city comprehensive plan and the promote the revitalization and redevelopment Downtown Blueprint plan of distressed properties, enhancing quality of place Support art and cultural institutions as they are part of our community identity that attracts and retains Create a dedicated funding source and allow talent, leverages tourism dollars, and helps sustain a for more flexibility for the Regional Cities positive quality of life for our residents Initiative to continue incentivizing regionalism throughout the state Support the advancement of Electric Works redevelopment, riverfront development, the Landing, Support the growth of tourism in Allen County a downtown event center, and STEAM Park to build through a 1 percent increase to the current best-in-class amenities to attract and retain talent Allen County Innkeeper’s tax rate with monies and businesses dedicated to Visit Fort Wayne to attract more national conventions, adaptive sporting Support local revenue enhancement opportunities to events, and visitors give communities the tools to adequately fund capital improvement projects such as Electric Works and a Maintain economic development tools and downtown event center to grow jobs, grow wages, innovative programs such as TIF, Tax Phase- and grow the economy Ins, and Certified Tech Parks to increase economic growth and prosperity

Support the repeal of the Medical Device Tax

6 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

To live up to our reputation as a city at the crossroads of America, we must invest in our infrastructure: airports, highways, railways, public transportation, broadband, and trails. GFW Inc. supports transportation and infrastructure projects and policies that reflect the needs of our region and strengthen the ability to do business.

Support converting U.S. 30 into a limited-access highway to improve connectivity in Northeast Indiana

Support the continued study of a passenger rail line that will run from Fort Wayne to Chicago

Support continued funding of the Public Mass Transit Fund to support the public transportation needs of workers and employers

Support increased accessibility to broadband

Support the utilization and expansion of air service in Fort Wayne. In a global economy, it is essential for Fort Wayne International Airport to maintain and expand air service to business destinations

Support the military presence in Northeast Indiana, including maintaining a combat fighter mission for the 122nd Fighter Wing at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base

7 ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneurs are the core drivers of new, emerging growth businesses. This is the basis for a growing economy in which businesses can become national industry leaders. GFW Inc. supports programs that promote entrepreneurship, accelerate the growth of innovative businesses, and enhance the development of early-stage industries.

Support the creation of development-ready business and industrial sites

Strengthen state and local resources for initiatives that promote innovation and entrepreneurship

Support the ability for Certified Tech Parks to provide resources for entrepreneurs and startup companies by increasing the $5 million fund cap

Support initiatives to make our region a national destination for the development of autonomous vehicles, including leveraging our assets for testing facilities

Photo of: Superior Lofts

8 EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

A diverse and talented workforce is critical to sustainable economic development and business growth. GFW Inc. supports education and workforce policies that prepare students to be college- or career-ready, provide advance training for current employees, and promote collaboration among education institutions and the business community.

Align academic accountability standards for K-12 schools with the needs of the community

Support legislative initiatives to expand access to early-childhood education

Support equitable funding for public higher-education institutions including adjusting the funding matrix to account for longer completion rates and rewarding high-impact degree completions for metropolitan and community college campuses

Support equitable funding for public higher-education institutions including adjusting the funding matrix to account for longer completion rates for regional campuses and rewarding IPFW for degrees granted in STEM fields

Support unique STEAM educational opportunities that allow students to connect school-room education to real-world applications

Support our community educational institutions from pre-K to post-secondary as they strive for educational excellence

Maintain Skills Enhancement Fund appropriation for small business

Support our community educational institutions from pre-K to post-secondary as they strive for educational excellence

Support policies that foster inclusion and diversity, creating a welcoming environment for talent and businesses

Support workforce development initiatives that provide training and education that aligns with the needs of employers including Skill- Link and On-The-Job training programs

Maintain Skills Enhancement Fund appropriation for small businesses

Make Indiana the state of choice for retiring military veterans

9 EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY

Government can create a premier business environment by minimizing unnecessary regulations and providing sustainable, efficient, high-quality services. GFW Inc. will continue to collaborate with our government officials at all levels to move our community forward.

Support ordinances that require more efficient and effective permitting procedures in Fort Wayne and Allen County

Encourage efforts to diversify the key revenue sources that fund local government, and support creation of legislation to expand voluntary efficiencies for local government units

Support tax reform that simplifies an overly complex tax code while maintaining initiatives that promote and incentivize investment in local communities such as New Market Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits

Oppose overreaching administrative rulemaking that unduly burdens small businesses

Support changing the Affordable Care Act’s definition of full- time employment to 40 hours

Reduce regulatory burdens on community banks and credit unions

Photo of: Indiana State Courthouse

10 HOW A STATE BILL BECOMES LAW

INTRODUCED IN 1 HOUSE OR SENATE (House of Origin) INTRODUCED IN 8 SECOND HOUSE ASSIGNED TO 2 A COMMITTEE ASSIGNED TO 9 A COMMITTEE HEARD IN IF BILL COMPLETES PROCESS IN SECOND 3 COMMITTEE HOUSE, PROCEED TO CONFERENCE 1st HOUSE 1st 2nd HOUSE COMMITTEE FLOWCHART HEARD IN 14 10 COMMITTEE RETURNS TO 4 THE FLOOR FOR AMENDMENTS RETURNS TO 11 THE FLOOR FOR AMENDMENTS AMENDED AND 5 ENGROSSED AMENDED AND 12 ENGROSSED PASSES ON 6 THIRD READING PASSES ON 13 THIRD READING REPEATS THE PROCESS IF ALL OF THESE STEPS IN SECOND HOUSE DO NOT OCCUR — BILL DIES 7 (House or Senate)

11 HOW A CITY CONFERENCE COMMITTEE COUNCIL BILL FLOWCHART BECOMES A LAW

Ordinances and resolutions are formally BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR’S TO GOVERNOR’S SENT BILL introduced with First Reading on the DESK TO BECOME LAW TO BECOME DESK 2nd and 4th Tuesdays during City Council’s Regular Session; those bills move into committees for Did a majority of the house YES further discussion. of origin vote to adopt the NO concurrence? A bill that has been introduced is given Was the bill NO its Second Reading during the Council’s IF BILL COMPLETES PROCESS IN SECOND committee meeting the following week, HOUSE, PROCEED TO CONFERENCE amended in the second house? COMMITTEE FLOWCHART YES where it is discussed and given one of the following preliminary actions: YES Did the author Do Pass, Do Not Pass, concur on the No Recommendation, amendments? Held or Tabled.

NO A bill with a “Do Pass, Do Not Pass” or “No Recommendation” action moves 1. A dissent is filed and adopted in the house of origin. to Regular Session either that Tuesday, 2. Conferees and advisors are assigned from House and Senate Caucuses. the following Tuesday, or as designated, 3. Conference committee meets to discuss changes made in second house. where it receives its Third Reading and 4. Conference committee report drafted, including agreed-upon changes. is given Final Action. BILL “DIES” BILL YES Bills that have been given Final Action Was the conference by City Council will either go to the Was the conference committee report Did a majority of Mayor for signature, or “die.” committee report signed passed by both House both houses vote to by all four conferees? and Senate Rules adopt the report? Committees? A vetoed bill must receive at least six YES YES votes by City Council to be overridden.

A “Held or Tabled” bill returns for Committee Session discussion NO NO NO when specified by the Council. 12 LOCAL CONTACTS

Allen County Commissioners MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD 260 449-7555 Citizens Square, Suite 410 200 East Berry Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 [email protected] Working for Your Business Linda Bloom – 3rd District A healthy business environment is essential to advance our [email protected] community. GFW Inc. builds relationships and advocates for public policy that supports business of all sizes, across Therese Brown – 2nd District all industries. [email protected]

Nelson Peters – 1st District Stay Connected [email protected] Get updates on issues that impact your business by subscribing to the GFW Inc. weekly e-newsletter, GovConnect. Allen County Council 260 449-7233 Rousseau Centre, Suite 102 Get Involved 1 East Main Street Meet and interact with elected officials by attending GFW Inc. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 advocacy events. Robert Armstrong – At-Large [email protected] Take Action Contact your elected official on issues that affect your business. Joel Benz – 3rd District [email protected]

Larry Brown – 4th District Melissa Beber [email protected] Director of Business Advocacy [email protected] Justin Busch – At-Large [email protected]

Tom Harris – 2nd District [email protected]

Eric Tippmann – At-Large [email protected]

Sharon Tucker – 1st District 13 [email protected] LOCAL CONTACTS STATE CONTACTS FEDERAL CONTACTS

City of Fort Wayne Mayor Senator Liz Brown Representative Senator Todd Young 260 427-1111 District 15, Fort Wayne Christopher Judy 1300 S. Harrison St. Citizens Square, Suite 420 [email protected] District 83, Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN 46802 200 East Berry Street [email protected] Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Senator Sue Glick Senator Joe Donnelly [email protected] District 13, LaGrange Representative Matt Lehman 260 420-4955 [email protected] District 79, Berne 203 E. Berry Street Tom Henry [email protected] Fort Wayne, IN 46802 [email protected] Senator Travis Holdman District 19, Markle Representative Dan Leonard Representative City Council [email protected] District 50, Huntington Jim Banks [email protected] [email protected] 3rd District Senator Dennis Kruse 260 702-4750 Jason Arp – 4th District District 14, Auburn Representative Bob Morris 1300 S. Harrison St. [email protected] [email protected] District 84, Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN 46802 [email protected] Michael Barranda – At-Large Senator David Long [email protected] District 16, Fort Wayne Representative David Ober [email protected] District 82, Albion Dr. John Crawford – At-Large [email protected] [email protected] Senator Andy Zay District 17, Huntington Representative Ben Smaltz Tom Didier – 3rd District [email protected] District 52, Auburn [email protected] [email protected] Representative Paul Ensley – 1st District Martin Carbaugh Representative David Wolkins [email protected] District 81, Fort Wayne District 18, Winona Lake [email protected] [email protected] Tom Freistroffer – At-Large [email protected] Representative Dave Heine Representative District 85, New Haven Dr. Dennis Zent Glynn Hines – 6th District [email protected] District 51, Angola [email protected] [email protected] Representative Russ Jehl – 2nd District Phil GiaQuinta [email protected] District 80, Fort Wayne [email protected] Geoff Paddock – 5th District Contact information current as of November 20, 2017 [email protected]

14 200 E. Main Street, Suite 800 Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is a nonprofit membership organization serving the business 260 420-6945 community in Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Policies and positions expressed in this [email protected] document do not represent those of any elected officials or government entities, and do not greaterfortwayneinc.com represent endorsement, recommendation or favoring by any such officials or entities.