Business Agenda

In lobbying, size equals strength. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Missouri’s largest statewide employer organization, representing 3,000 employers providing jobs for more than 425,000 employees. We focus this strength on the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Legislative Agenda, which represents the interests, concerns and positions of our members and supports positive reforms to create an improved business climate for Missouri.

ISSUES:

Economic Development, Small Business and Life Sciences  

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports enhancing the ability of entrepreneurs and small businesses in Missouri to establish and develop their businesses, while providing incentives for investors. Whether it be through increasing access and improving technological advancements, providing incentives for investment in small businesses, increased financial support for the life sciences industry, or linking venture capitalists with researchers and entrepreneurs, providing a framework to develop and cultivate these relationships is imperative to improving the overall business climate in Missouri.

Education and Workforce Development  

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognizes that the strength of the state’s economy and ability of its workforce to compete on a global scale rests on the quality of the state’s education system. The state and the business community fail when students are not challenged to succeed. That’s why it is important that the business and education communities work together to improve the overall performance of Missouri schools. The Missouri Chamber has worked to bring together an alliance of leaders from business, education and state government to identify ways to work together on improving education.

Environmental  

In the 2010 Legislative Session, the Missouri Chamber will champion efforts to preserve a healthy environment and to protect Missouri’s natural resources. The Missouri Chamber will work with the public sector to ensure that efforts to achieve these goals do not put businesses in Missouri at an economic disadvantage over companies residing in other states. We support the idea that sound environmental practice is good economic practice as long as the costs of a particular regulatory action and its expected benefits are balanced with the expenditures of public and private resources. The Missouri Chamber will also advocate for environmental standards that are based on scientifically sound, transparent, and peer-reviewed facts, and that the costs are borne equitably.

Health Care  

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognizes the importance of high quality, comprehensive, affordable health care and health care insurance. Healthy workers and families create a positive economic environment in which to work, live and play. The Missouri Chamber and its member organizations offering insurance coverage help defray the cost of the uninsured through higher rates for the insured. Fundamental change to health care access and coverage, through public/private solution, while working collaboratively with consumers, payers and providers, is a paramount objective of the Missouri Chamber.

Labor and Industrial Relations  

Civil justice, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and labor relations are all issues that directly impact Missouri employers’ bottom lines. Holding the line on the cost of these systems means a great deal to Missouri businesses and it also affects the choice of new businesses choosing to move to our state. Workers’ compensation rates and unemployment insurance rates are two key cost drivers considered by businesses relocating or expanding.

Miscellaneous  

Taxation and Fiscal Policy  

In order to stimulate the growth of our existing companies and attract new jobs to Missouri, the Missouri Chamber will continue to fight to eliminate unnecessary tax burdens that hinder Missouri employers. The Missouri Chamber has long been the champion for holding the line on employer taxes, by advocating reform that is broad-based, simplifies administration, and minimizes the shift of the tax burden on Missouri employers. In the 2009 Legislative Session, the Missouri Chamber will continue to work for tax policy that promotes business activity in Missouri -- which ultimately raises tax revenues for the state.

Tourism  

With dozens of clear streams to float, caves to explore and a number of great entertainment nightspots and wineries, the Show-Me State is the destination for travelers looking for relaxation and adventure. In fact, tourism is one of the state’s most lucrative industries, and direct expenditures by travelers to Missouri exceeds $8.5 billion. Plus, the industry employs more than 293,000 Missourians. That’s why the Missouri Chamber encourages greater investment in the state’s Division of Tourism. In recent legislative sessions, the Missouri Chamber successfully supported an increase to the Division of Tourism budget and other key legislation such as establishing a uniform school start date. In 2010, the Missouri Chamber will continue to champion this important sector of our economy.

Transportation  

Transportation is a critical factor in maintaining the future economic vitality of Missouri. Our geographic advantage as a transportation hub is in serious jeopardy if we allow Missouri’s transportation system to deteriorate. As a result of Amendment 3, Missouri has been able to address many needed projects to improve road and bridge conditions, enhance highway safety and ease congestion. However, Amendment 3 funding ends soon, leaving virtually no new funding for the state’s transportation needs. At the same time, federal funding is on the decline. Facing this staggering reality, Missouri must open the discussion now for ways to address funding shortfalls. Protecting and advancing our transportation system is not an option – it is essential.