With the 2016 legislative session set to begin on March 8, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce has set its legislative agenda. Statewide legislative priorities have already begun to emerge, with legislative leaders focusing on issues such as tax cuts, transportation funding and the bonding bill. The Chamber will be looking to capitalize on these issues and be included in the final products.
“We’re glad that the Legislature is taking a hard look at these big issues, particularly on taxes and reducing the statewide property tax levy on businesses,” said Jim Boyd, executive director of the Chamber. “Many of the statewide issues have a local impact here in Cook County, and our legislative agenda reflects this. We plan on being active in voicing our unique perspective to the Legislature in St. Paul.”
The Chamber’s legislative agenda will focus on two major areas: . Workforce Housing and the Tax Bill: Workforce housing is a critical need in Cook County and in many other areas of the state. The Chamber supports creating a workforce housing tax credit, and has worked with Sen. Tom Bakk to ensure the Cook County-Grand Marais EDA is eligible for the program. This was included in last year’s Senate tax bill, but without final passage of the tax bill in 2015, the Chamber will again be working on this issue. The Chamber is collaborating with the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA). . Bonding Bill: The even-numbered year of the legislative session is when the governor and Legislature pass the capital budget–or bonding bill. The Chamber supports two bonding projects: the Grand Marais Parkside Access project to reconstruct the boat access on the southwest corner of the harbor ($2.1 million request) and the Gitchi Gami Trail segments, Grand Marais to Cutface State Wayside ($1.85 million request) and through the town of Tofte ($1.28 million estimate). The Chamber is collaborating with the City of Grand Marais on the access and with the Gitchi Gami Trail Association on the trail. Bakk and Rep. Rob Ecklund will be introducing legislation for both projects when the Legislature convenes in March.
Other legislative items include removing a sunset provision that affects Hedstrom Lumber’s boiler operations, laying the foundation for increased funding for Cook County Higher Ed’s workforce training efforts, and monitoring other issues that may affect Cook County.
For more information on any of these initiatives, contact Boyd at (218) 387-2079.
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