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Government Affairs

Government Agenda / Committee of 100

Past Accomplishments

Partnered with the City of Palm Bay to streamline the construction permitting process
Supported the Inter-Local agreement between the Cities of Fellsmere and Palm Bay
Supported Referendum 1 in August 2008 Primaries (Ad Valorem Tax Abatement)
Proposed and advocated for a local preference on contracts awarded by the City of Palm Bay
Repeal of the Florida Vernacular Architectural Design mandated by the City of Palm Bay
Modification of the Nuisance Vegetation Ordinance
Successfully lobbied for our chamber members to be seated on various city boards and committees

The Committee of 100 Agenda

Transportation

Support Airport Improvements and Flights
Support funding and expansion of Space Coast Area Transit
Support federal funding during the gap in the Space Shuttle Program
Support regional road priorities including, although not limited to I-95 widening
Support local road priorities, expansion of Palm Bay road
Advocate special category under the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program to provide economic development category for small hub airports

Property Insurance

Support activities and legislation at the local, state and federal levels to provide affordable and available commercial and residential property insurance

Health Care

Support activities and legislation at the local, state and federal levels to increase the availability and affordability of healthcare by both large and small employers to the largest number of employees and business owners

Support legislation that would allow small businesses to pool risk and access health coverage exempt from state mandates
Support legislation to limit legal fees and cap non-economic damages in medical liability cases
Oppose government-mandated health care requirements for employers
Support the expansion of HSA's by making it easier for small businesses and individuals to participate

Tax and Tax Regulation

Support faster cost recovery of capital investment, and repeal of the personal and corporate Alternative Minimum Tax
Oppose any proposed sales tax on professional services
Support making permanent the current federal tax cuts, including the elimination of the death tax; enhances Section 179 small business expensing; and reductions in marginal income, dividend, and capital gains

Workforce Development / Education

Support block grants for workforce development and state sponsored training programs (implementation of Workforce Innovation Act 2000)
Support efforts to ensure that businesses have an available supply of well-educated and trained employees
Oppose increase in minimum wage and / or Living Wage mandates

Permit Process / Economic Development

Continue to support the City of Palm Bay on the Permit process and implementation
Continue to stand for the Business community with issues in the completion of permits
Continue to work with local municipalities to attract businesses to our area
Assist in grant programs for business owners needing start up funding