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Legislative Platform
During the 2001 Legislative Session, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce worked to further the following platform, which was adopted by the Board of Directors.
Top Priority Legislative Objectives in 2001
The chamber took a primary role in actively promoting these issues.
1. Support continued investment in quality education
The Chamber believes that a high quality public education system is a building block for economic development. The Legislature should remain committed to providing adequate school funding from the state general fund.
2. Support renewal of the Kansas Lottery
The Kansas Lottery is the only source of statewide funding for economic development initiatives. The Lottery should be renewed and proceeds used for economic development efforts that benefit the entire state.
3. Support review of state highway funding to include support for crucial Olathe projects
The Chamber supports implementation of the 1999 comprehensive transportation plan. It also seeks a review of funding for current projects so that excess allocations can be used for Olathe projects. Located on the I-35 corridor and positioned as one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Olathe has earmarked two projects as critical to address its growth: a new interchange at 159th St./I-35 and an overpass at 127th St./I-35. These two projects are essential to alleviate congestion on and around the I-35 corridor and accommodate growth not only in Olathe, but throughout the metropolitan area and the region. The Chamber further supports allocation of any available federal, state, and county funding for these projects.
4. Support funding for the historic Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm—the last existing stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail open to the public—is a significant historical attraction for northeast Kansas. The Chamber supports legislation to provide funding to preserve and enhance the Mahaffie site as both an important regional tourist attraction and a site of great historic value.
5. Support legislation that will improve collection of local taxes
To minimize the loss of tax dollars, we support legislation to improve collection of taxes on the local level.
6. Support improved funding for state tourism promotion
To compete successfully with Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and Oklahoma for tourism, it is important for the State of Kansas to increase its funding of advertising that attracts visitors to Kansas. The Chamber supports legislation that improves such funding while maintaining a careful balance in other areas of the budget.
OTHER PLATFORMS SUPPORTED BY THE CHAMBER
The chamber supports the efforts of the following entities and generally concurs with their legislative platforms.
· Olathe School District 233
· City of Olathe Platform
· Johnson County Chambers of Commerce Presidents’
STANDING POSITIONS
Ongoing Legislative Priorities the Chamber will continue to monitor and support
1. Support existing Worker’s Compensation Legislation
The Chamber opposes changes in the current legislation that would increase the liability of the employer. While businesses continue to benefit from 1993 laws and regulations, it is essential to protect employers from tort liabilities under a system that requires compensation without regard to liability.
2. Support import/export assistance
To encourage Kansas companies to establish and increase export sales, the Chamber recommends consideration of changes and additions to state export assistance and incentive programs including but not limited to the following:
- Expansion of trade show assistance to include other types of marketing programs
- Training and counseling on exporting to various markets
- Income tax credits based on increases in export sales
- Continued support of the Department of Commerce in hosting trade missions and shows
- Direct and indirect financing support of export receivables through lender guarantees
- ISO 9000 training and certification support to help meet requirements of many foreign customers
- Dollar amounts of incentive programs be generally related to income taxes generated
3. Oppose concealed weapons
The Chamber opposes any initiatives to authorize the carrying of concealed weapons in Kansas.
4. Support reduction of personal property taxes on business machinery and equipment
Because it significantly hinders economic development, discourages needed investments in new technology, and limits competitiveness, the Chamber supports a phased reduction in personal property taxes on business machinery and equipment, achieved through rate reductions, tax credits or by increasing the tax “floor” and balanced against needs of local governments to maintain stable tax structures.
5. Support health care initiatives
The Chamber recognizes the importance of health care to Kansas employers and residents and supports legislation that provides enhanced health care delivery system in Kansas. Additionally, the Chamber will monitor legislature pertaining to the privacy of patient information and the establishment of state standards in this area.
6. Oppose unfunded State mandates
The Chamber opposes legislation that hampers local units of government in their response to taxpayers’ needs. Unfunded mandates place unjustified financial burdens on local jurisdictions.
7. Support economic development initiatives
The Chamber supports the initiatives that provide a better climate for business and industry and enhance economic development efforts in Kansas.
8. Oppose restrictions on tax abatements
Although the Chamber agrees that tax abatements should be used with discretion, this important economic development tool should remain an option for Kansas cities. The Chamber opposes legislation that would place unreasonable restrictions on the use of tax abatements.
9. Support tax increment financing
The Chamber supports legislation that would continue to improve the state’s tax increment financing law, especially legislation that simplifies and streamlines the use of this important economic development.
10. Oppose spending lids for state and local government
The Chamber urges a thorough review of the state budget and strongly urges fiscal restraint. The Chamber opposes a constitutional spending lid amendment for state and local governments. A spending cap would deter infrastructure improvements and impede government’s ability to respond appropriately to growth and economic development.
11. Oppose repeal of state sales tax on food
The Chamber opposes repealing the state sales tax on food because of the negative fiscal impact it would have on local government. Repealing this tax narrows the tax base and could result in tax increases in other areas.
12. Oppose expansion of legalized gambling
For long-range economic stability in the state of Kansas, the Chamber opposes expanding legalized gaming activities in the state of Kansas.
13. Support formulation of statewide energy policy
The Chamber encourages the careful formulation of a comprehensive statewide energy policy to address issues related to retail wheeling, natural gas, and wind energy and the impact on tax revenues.
Copyright © 2004 Olathe Chamber of Commerce
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