How We Stand

CHANDLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOW WE STAND 2019 CHANDLER’S GUIDE FOR LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL ISSUES LORI GALLEGOS CHANDLER CHAMBER First Credit Union CONTENTS OF COMMERCE Chandler Chamber, 2019 Board Chair HOW WE STAND The Public Policy Committee of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce recognizes that economic, Chairman’s & Chamber President/ CEO Message .......................... 2 environmental and social challenges are interdependent, complex and constantly changing. Program of Work .............................................................................. 4 The Chandler Chamber of Commerce advocates for businesses and the community by addressing Development of Chamber Positions ................................................ 6 issues at the local, state, and federal levels of government. We do this by facilitating a bi-monthly forum of dialogue between the Chandler business Education ........................................................................................ 8 community and our elected officials. Another component is through this How We Stand legislative resource, among other key events and advocacy Economic Vitality & Expansion ........................................................ 14 methods. Efficient & Effective Government ..................................................... 19 This How We Stand document is the collective voice of Chandler Chamber of Commerce business members, approved for publication by the Chandler Energy, Water, Utilities & Environment ............................................ 23 Chamber Board to ensure we focus on common interests. Our Public Policy efforts are outlined in this guide for our elected officials to reflect on the concerns and needs of the Chandler business community. Growth & Land Use .......................................................................... 29 The various sections in How We Stand have been thoroughly researched Healthcare & Affordable Insurance .................................................. 31 and discussed by business owners in Chandler with the intention of improving policy formulation, impact and implementation. The feedback Immigration ..................................................................................... 35 contained in this document supports the Chandler community in remaining competitive with rapidly changing and progressive business interests. Defense & Cyber Security ................................................................ 37 Tax & Fiscal Policy ........................................................................... 39 TERRI KIMBLE Tort Reform ...................................................................................... 42 President/CEO Chandler Chamber Workforce/Employer/Employee Relations ....................................... 43 Thank you for taking an interest in the Chandler Transportation .................................................................................. 47 Chamber’s 2019 How We Stand booklet. Today, government affects all aspects of our lives. Our Elected Officials ........................................................................ 51 Everyone has a stake in the public policies sanctioned by federal, state and local governments. Tribute to Senator John McCain ...................................................... 56 To govern our community effectively there must be a set of guidelines. Public School Districts ..................................................................... 57 Through extensive research and discussion, the members of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce have drafted this booklet of policies which represent Chandler Chamber Board of Directors ............................................. 58 the pulse of the Chandler business climate. These discussions and research have produced a set of guidelines that offer a comprehensive view of the concerns of the Chandler business community. Chandler Chamber Public Policy & Government Relations ............. 59 One of our most important responsibilities is to research and inform our PRINTED BY: PRESENTED BY: members of any legislative issues that would affect the outcome of a prosperous future. Thank you for your dedication in assisting with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce 25 South Arizona Place, Suite 201, Chandler, AZ 85225 promotion of business development and opportunity in Chandler. 480-963-4571 · www.chandlerchamber.com · [email protected] Designed by: Lisa Forrest (L F Design) www.designbylf.net 2 DESIGNED BY L F DESIGN HOW WE STAND 3 PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIVISION PROGRAM OF WORK MISSION To proactively engage and influence the outcome of public policy issues through the endorsement of candidates that will sustain and further enhance the healthy NATIONAL AWARD business climate in the City of Chandler and Arizona. OF EXCELLENCE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS In 2018, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce was honored to receive The work of the Good Government Committee includes: the National Award of Excellence from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for our How We Stand legislative 1) Expanding upon the Candidate Endorsement program and Candidate Forums. agenda. This award is reflective of the commitment and the cooperation of our members, businesses, community leaders, and 2) Collaborating with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on legislative and congressional report elected officials addressing the legislative issues that are critical to the cards. business community. We thank everyone for their participation. 3) Working with various governmental groups on issues that affect businesses in Chandler. This includes organizing various events with municipal and legislative leaders. 4) Expanding our government relations efforts as Chandler and the Chandler Chamber grow, to include an in-house lobbyist. PUBLIC POLICY 1) Hosting bi-weekly Public Policy Committee meetings to discuss current issues. 2) Seeking input from experts in order to inform committee members of hot issues. 3) Developing the How We Stand document to share our pro-business objectives with elected leaders. 4) Developing advocacy plans when municipal or legislative issues require our involvement to achieve the desired outcome. 5) Promoting Chamber members for state and local boards and commissions. 4 DESIGNED BY L F DESIGN HOW WE STAND 5 DEVELOPMENT OF CHAMBER POSITIONS READING HOW WE STAND The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is an organization driven by The How We Stand document is divided into 12 policy sections. Each more than 1,400 member businesses, representing over 170,000 section consists of numerous policy statements, which are further employees of businesses operating within the Chandler area. The categorized as Local, State, or Federal concerns. Chamber’s Board of Directors develops and executes an annual A new addition to this year’s How We Stand are the various footnotes strategic plan by adopting public policy positions. Recognizing the listed at the end of each section. These footnotes are for your impact to the business community, Public Policy and Government convenience, providing additional context to issues that may be new Relations efforts are high priorities for the Chandler Chamber of or unfamiliar, as well as links to websites for further information. Commerce. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to build a strong economic environment conducive to business success in Chandler and the surrounding area. The Public Policy Committee stays involved with policy issues being discussed by Congress, the Arizona State Legislature, and Chandler City Council to ensure any decisions support the mission of the Chamber. The role of the Committee is to determine the effect that different policy decisions have on the business community. The Committee composes statements that are submitted to the Board of Directors to be reviewed, approved, and ratified. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce uses this process to develop its positions on public policy issues. WalletHub.com Awarded 2018 Best Place to find a job. 6 DESIGNED BY L F DESIGN HOW WE STAND 7 EDUCATION EDUCATION GUIDING PRINCIPLE: The Chandler Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the need for a nationally recognized education system that produces college and career ready graduates who can compete globally and fulfill workforce needs in order to attract and retain high-paying industries to the state. LOCAL STATE FEDERAL POSITION STATEMENTS: • Support a more efficient world-class school DID YOU KNOW? system that is stable, equitable, and utilizes • Champion of Educators given by Arizona School Administrators to the regularly reviewed performance-based Chandler Chamber of Commerce funding1 that provides for the innovation √ √ √ necessary to support a college and career • Public, Charter, Private, and Online schools provide a wide range ready workforce. of diverse education opportunities and platforms, tailored to suit the individual needs of the students and their future goals. • Support legislation to rescind procurement process requirements for mandatory lowest • All of these schools in Chandler have received numerous awards and bidding, eliminate unnecessarily harsh accommodations by local, state and nationally recognized bodies. punishments for school districts, and empower effective principles in the allocation of √ resources regarding local school districts. • Support the Arizona Education Progress Meter,2 which elevates a set of widely accepted education indicators for Arizonans to measure the state’s progress in education √

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