From taxes and regulation to health care and education to energy and environmental issues, government impacts all aspects of economic development. Commerce Lexington Inc. is proud to work on behalf of our members and the business community as an effective public policy voice at all levels of government to improve Kentucky’s business climate. Throughout the year, Commerce Lexington’s Public Policy Council researches, analyzes and discusses important policy issues from the perspective of how it may affect the Central Kentucky business community, then recommends advocacy position statements. The group is comprised of more than 45 volunteer leaders and represents a cross section of Commerce Lexington’s 1,700-plus member businesses and organizations.
Please take a few minutes to review the 2019 LEGISLATIVE FOCUS to learn about issues Commerce Lexington Inc. will be tracking on behalf of the business community at the local, state and federal levels this year. Additionally, below is a brief summary of some of the issues we will be engaged with in the beginning of 2019.
In January, state lawmakers return to Frankfort for a 30-day Regular Session. The dynamics will be different with more than 30 new members, and the same as Republican maintain super-majorities in the House and Senate. The “short” session occurs in odd-numbered years and is historically focused on policy items rather than budget issues. One of the priority issues is expected to be another attempt at reforming the state’s financially-troubled public employee pension systems.
Please take a few minutes to review the 2019 LEGISLATIVE FOCUS to learn about issues Commerce Lexington Inc. will be tracking on behalf of the business community at the local, state and federal levels this year. Additionally, below is a brief summary of some of the issues we will be engaged with in the beginning of 2019.
In January, state lawmakers return to Frankfort for a 30-day Regular Session. The dynamics will be different with more than 30 new members, and the same as Republican maintain super-majorities in the House and Senate. The “short” session occurs in odd-numbered years and is historically focused on policy items rather than budget issues. One of the priority issues is expected to be another attempt at reforming the state’s financially-troubled public employee pension systems.
With more than $43 billion in unfunded liabilities, Kentucky has one of the worst pension systems in the nation. Despite the special session deadlock, legislative leaders have said that pension reform will be a top priority in 2019. Commerce Lexington will continue to support reforms that ensure long-term financial solvency for the systems and improve Kentucky’s economic competitiveness without crippling local governments ability to provide essential services.
Other priority state issues for Commerce Lexington in the 2019 Legislative Session include:
At the local level, Commerce Lexington Inc. will monitor regulatory and environmental and other economic development issues. CLX continues to advocate for more land for job creation and efforts to improve the education and workforce development systems in Lexington. This includes the partnership with The Business and Education Network and its work to identify current and future workforce needs and develop a plan to meet those needs through collaborative community partnerships, such as the Fayette County Public Schools’ Career Academies.
At the federal level, Commerce Lexington Inc. will continue to monitor trade issues and provide feedback to the Kentucky delegation about the impacts of tariffs on Central Kentucky businesses. In July, Commerce Lexington will take a delegation of regional business and community leaders to Washington, D.C., for a two-day Fly-In. The visit will include meetings with members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation and their staffs to discuss the impact of federal policies on local businesses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If you have questions, need assistance with a policy issue, or would like to get involved with advocacy efforts, contact Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer and Director of Regional Engagement.
Other priority state issues for Commerce Lexington in the 2019 Legislative Session include:
- Modifying the state’s tax code to improve the business climate and provide local governments with more flexibility.
- Reforming the state’s unemployment insurance system to keep costs and benefits competitive with surrounding states and increase workforce participation.
- Clarifying arbitration laws to ensure private.
- Improving workforce development resources and programs.
- Supporting efforts to tackling the opioid and drug epidemic.
- Supporting additional funds for transportation projects critical to economic development through a model that is more equitable to areas with greater road use and reflects changes in use.
At the local level, Commerce Lexington Inc. will monitor regulatory and environmental and other economic development issues. CLX continues to advocate for more land for job creation and efforts to improve the education and workforce development systems in Lexington. This includes the partnership with The Business and Education Network and its work to identify current and future workforce needs and develop a plan to meet those needs through collaborative community partnerships, such as the Fayette County Public Schools’ Career Academies.
At the federal level, Commerce Lexington Inc. will continue to monitor trade issues and provide feedback to the Kentucky delegation about the impacts of tariffs on Central Kentucky businesses. In July, Commerce Lexington will take a delegation of regional business and community leaders to Washington, D.C., for a two-day Fly-In. The visit will include meetings with members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation and their staffs to discuss the impact of federal policies on local businesses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If you have questions, need assistance with a policy issue, or would like to get involved with advocacy efforts, contact Andi Johnson, Chief Policy Officer and Director of Regional Engagement.
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