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Commerce Lexington Inc. Releases 2012 Public Policy Statements
Commerce Lexington Inc. released the organization’s 2012 public policy statements this week, prior to the start of the 2012 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly.
Commerce Lexington’s public policy statements represent the organization’s legislative priorities at the federal, state and local levels of government. The organization’s annual public policy statements are the direct result of the hard work and effort put forth by Commerce Lexington Inc.’s Public Policy Council. The Public Policy Council is a crucial part of Commerce Lexington’s public policy efforts and is comprised of thirty-five volunteer members that represent a broad spectrum of the organization’s 1,800 member companies, including local government, large and small businesses, education groups, utilities and nonprofits.
This year, Commerce Lexington’s public policy statements include some additions to its education, economic development, human resources and labor, health care and environmental policy statements.
In light of the current economy and the ever present need to grow and retain jobs in our community, Commerce Lexington Inc. added additional language to its public policy statements to highlight new economic development incentives and tax credits that will create and attract new jobs and investment to our community. Other changes to the economic development statements include public policy support for the Bluegrass Economic Advancement Movement (BEAM) initiative between Lexington and the city of Louisville.
Changes to Commerce Lexington’s health care policy statements include support for alternative measures to effectively combat drug and substance abuse in the Commonwealth. One of the most pressing issues identified by Commerce Lexington Inc.’s annual public policy survey was the need of employers to find qualified workers, and many of these business owners indicated that it was very difficult to find a drug-free workforce. Commerce Lexington Inc. is committed to working with members of the Kentucky General Assembly to support legislation that will address ways to combat the growing drug abuse problem in Kentucky.
Bob Quick, Commerce Lexington Inc. president and CEO, said, “I would like to commend the members of the Public Policy Council for their hard work and attention to detail in formulating this year’s policy statements. The 2012 statements represent our commitment to protecting businesses throughout our region and to working with our elected officials and partners to find solutions to the most pressing issues facing the Commonwealth.”
Commerce Lexington is committed to serving Central Kentucky’s business community by advocating for pro-business legislation at all levels of government, while maintaining the relationships with our federal, state and local elected officials and their staffs. Commerce Lexington and its Public Policy Council will continue to work tirelessly to protect the viability of our state’s small businesses as well as our Commonwealth’s signature industries.
2012 COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. PUBLIC POLICY STATEMENTS, CLICK HERE