Federal Legislative Priorities

Budget – the Chamber urges our Congressional delegation to support a bi-partisan comprehensive debt deal that is large enough to stabilize the debt as a share of the economy and is conducive to economic growth.

Labor Issues

The Chamber opposes attempts by the NLRB to shorten the union election process, which prevents employers from educating employees on the impact of unionization.

The Chamber opposes attempts at enacting “card check” requirements for union elections.  This would remove the secret ballot process and undermine

Transportation

We believe federal grant making and policies should reward regions, like NW Arkansas, that make significant local and regional investments in what have traditionally been Federal- and state-funded projects.

The Chamber supports long-term federal highway legislation that provides states with a stable funding source that allows them to plan multi-year construction programs.

The Chamber encourages the federal government to consider methods to increase funding for infrastructure projects as a means of investing in the economy, creating jobs and positioning the United States to compete in the global economy.

Airport - Passenger Facility Charge Increase - We support up to a $7 increase in the Passenger Facility Charge. The current Passenger Facility Charge of $4.50 has not been raised in a number of years although construction costs continue to exponentially increase. The charges are locally imposed and proceeds are spent locally. It is not an across the board tax increase.  NWA Regional Airport could potentially raise more than $1.4 million that could be used for local projects.

Environmental and Energy Issues

The Chamber opposes efforts by the EPA to impose unreasonable and unscientific water quality standards on urban regions.

The Chamber opposes EPA mandated corn-ethanol fuel blending mandates.  Mandated blending using food-based bio-fuels significantly increases the cost for food without making the nation more energy independent.

Taxation

We support efforts to level the playing field for all retailers and create a simple way for states to collect and enforce sales and use taxes.

The Chamber supports extension of income, estate, capital gains, dividend and other tax cuts especially during times of economic distress to encourage job creation and support business.

Immigration - We support comprehensive federal immigration reform that protects U.S. national and economic security.  Reform should increase security, address delays and disruptions in our immigration and border management systems and refrain from unduly burdening employers with worker verification systems that are underfunded or unworkable.  We need legislation that is fair, meets the needs of our growing economy and meets the test of common sense.