Chamber Policies
Economic Development Policy
- Tax Policy
- Transportation Projects
- Transportation Issues
- Education/Workforce Policy
Energy Resources Policy
2012 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA:
SUPPORT LEGISLATION FOR A STATE HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE
An insurance exchange is a one-stop marketplace for individuals and small employers to shop for and buy health insurance policies. The Chamber supports a state exchange rather than a federal exchange so that Idaho can maintain primacy over the state’s private health insurance market. This will ensure a meaningful role for independent brokers and an open competitive market to help increase the number of Idahoans insured through private insurance.
SUPPORT REDUCING THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX
Idaho’s corporate income tax rate of 7.6% is considered too high to be competitive with other states for some business attraction projects. Idaho has been eliminated from consideration for economic development projects based on this tax rate alone.
SUPPORT A STATE BRIDGE PROGRAM
The original GARVEE program has benefited from a competitive construction environment and has realized substantial savings from projects bidding lower than estimated. Also, the Vista Interchange project was funded from the federal stimulus program. This has resulted in GARVEE “savings” of $143 million. Using criteria established by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the Chamber supports legislation establishing bonding authority for a statewide, high-priority bridge program, including the bridge over I-84 at the Meridian Interchange.
SUPPORT A BUSINESS EXPANSION FUND
A deal-closing fund would be used to award funds to new or existing companies growing jobs and investment in the state. Consideration for this fund would include wages, investment and type of industry that would be created. A $5-10 million appropriation would be allocated to the State’s existing Business & Jobs Development Grant Fund.
SUPPORT EXEMPTION FOR OUT-OF-STATE AIRCRAFT PARTS
The Chamber supports a sales tax exemption on parts installed on out-of-state private aircraft. This will attract additional customers who currently have maintenance performed in states that do not tax installed parts. This will lead to additional high-paying jobs and capital investment at the Boise Airport-Gowen Field.
SUPPORT ON-GOING FUNDING FOR THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED ENERGY STUDIES
The Chamber supports designating future funding of $1.6 million, or more, for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) as on-going funding rather than one-time. CAES is a unique, collaborative partnership between the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Boise State University and its Energy Efficiency Research Institute. CAES funding provides seed money for grants for infrastructure, equipment, promotion of energy efficiency and innovative, cost-effective and credible energy research.
SUPPORT ELIMINATION OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX
Support the total elimination of the personal property tax, an onerous tax for business to pay and government to collect. Personal property consists of items used by business, such as furniture, machinery, tools, desks, computers, etc. Personal property exempt from taxation includes household items, personal vehicles, livestock, medical equipment and many other items.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CHAMBER'S 2011 LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
For more information, contact Ray Stark, Senior Vice President, Government & Community Relations, Events | 208.472.5225 | rstark@boisechamber.org