Chamber Vice Chair for Government Relations Carl Richie lead a regional delegation of business leaders and elected officials to Washington, DC in June to lobby on a variety of issues from research and development tax credits to transportation funding. View the materials shared with the Texas delegation and members of key congressional committees.

The Chamber has created a web site, www.keepaustinvoting.com, to educate members and citizens on the candidates, their positions, and the issues on the November ballot. Election Day is November 7.

The Chamber Board of Directors approved the 2007 legislative agenda including issues ranging from economic development and education to transportation and air quality.

On April 17 , 2006, the State Legislature will reconvene per the Governor’s call for a 30-day Special Session. The Call was narrowly written to address only the Supreme Court ruling that the current reliance on property tax, with half of school districts statewide at the $1.30 cap, is effectively a statewide property tax – which is constitutionally illegal. The Court gave the Legislature until June 1 to address this issue, after that point, the Comptroller will no longer distribute funds to schools. Last session, legislation stalled in the House. The House is expected to consider the Tax Reform Commission recommendation in four pieces. They hope to pass the bills by Friday, April 21 and put the ball in the Senate’s court as tax bills must originate in the House. The Chamber Board wants to know your thoughts on the Commission recommendation. Click here for a description and to provide your input through a very brief survey.

Priority Issues

Priority issues this year will be promoting a vision for comprehensive, regional transportation and land use planning, continually promoting the vital role for public investment in economic development and strengthening the collective voice of the business community to ensure a positive regulatory climate in the region. To do this the department will develop Chamber policies and resolutions based on sound research, deliver policy information to Chamber members and lead advocacy in support of Chamber positions at all levels of government.