Week of February 16, 2015
Georgette "Gigi" Godwin
President & CEO
The 2015 Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly is well underway. MCCC is tracking issues that impact your business success such as taxes, employment law, business climate and capital spending. Our work continues at the County and Federal level as well. 

Coming this week: Testimony on the Supplemental School Construction Matching Fund Program.

Thank you for your calls and emails! Keep them coming. It is a great day when we hear from you with questions or input. 301-738-0015 or ggodwin@mcccmd.com.
MontgomeryMontgomery County
Councilmember Roger Berliner (Dist 1) meets with MCCC members.

Councilmember Roger Berliner (Dist. 1) joined the Legislative Affairs and Infrastructure and Land Use Member Exchange Meeting on Monday, February 9 to provide updates on the County's transportation priorities and solicit input from MCCC members.

 

The effective date of future increases in the minimum wage rate was discussed at last week's HHS committee meeting. The staff report cited MCCC's input on the proposed legislation in their recommendation to make the effective date later. The committee voted to change the effective date to July 1, 2016.

 

The next regular Council Session is scheduled for February 24, 2015. 

StateState of Maryland
To date, MCCC has testified on "Combined Reporting," Sales Tax on Online Travel Companies, Geographic Cost of Education Index, and support of a Commission on Tax Reform introduced by Senator Brian Feldman (D15), to name a few.  See our 2015 Legislative Session page for specific bills and MCCC Testimony. Last week's Senate Budget and Taxation hearing on Combined Reporting was covered in Marylandreporter.com.

 

2 12 15 press conference
MEDBCC Chair Norm Augustine with legislators including Delegate Bill Frick (D16) and Senator Nancy King (D15) at the press conference. Courtesy WBAL.

The Maryland Economic Development and Business Climate Commission released their much anticipated interim report. MCCC provided input that led to the list of 32 recommendations. The press conference was covered in The Washington Post and The Gazette.  See the video from WBAL.

 

An immediate outcome of the interim report is five pieces of legislation introduced by Speaker Busch and President Miller on behalf of the Augustine Commission for the 2015 Session.  The bills include:

 

1. Reorganizing DBED, TEDCO and the economic development programs between the agencies, including the creation of Secretary of Commerce position and empowering a newly designed Maryland Economic Development Commission;
2. Creation of a new process for the legislative regulatory committee to determine the impact of regulations on  businesses, which will include a private sector advisory group;
3. Creation of a task force to improve faculty involvement in technology transfer activities at higher education institutions;
4. Creation of a new customer service training program for state employees
5.  Creation of a new apprenticeship program.

 We will track the progress of these and other bills throughout the session.

 

MCCC 2015 State of Maryland Advocacy

Join Us in Annapolis:

Sign Up for Purple Line Lobby Day  taking place Monday, March 9, 2015, 5-8pm to make the economic case for the Purple Line.

 

MCCC together with elected and business leaders from Montgomery and Prince George's counties gathered at the University of Maryland College Park on January 21 to show the united support for the Purple Line. Listen to Gigi Godwin on WAMU talk about the importance of the project.

 

Read The Washington Post poll published on 2/10/15 on Governor Hogan's first weeks in office.

 

FederalFederal News

SBA Proposed Rules to Implement NDAA limitations on subcontracting

See analysis provided by GovConNet Councilmember Pam Mazza of Pilliero Mazza.

Send in your comments by February 27, 2015 requesting an extension of the comment period.

 

SBA Proposed Rule to Create a New Mentor-Protege Program for All Small Businesses

On February 5, 2015, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a proposed rule to amend its regulations to implement provisions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, 80 Fed. Reg. 6618. See analysis provided by GovConNet Councilmember Pam Mazza of Pilliero Mazza. Comments are due April 6, 2015.


 

Congressman John Delaney and Infrastructure 2.0

Read the Washington Post article on Congressman John Delaney's (MD - 6) plans for "Infrastructure 2.0"


 

Don't miss the February 26 GovConNet Member Exchange Meeting on the FY 2016 Federal Budget: Where the Opportunities Are, presented by  Ann Sullivan of the Madison Services Group.

 

MCCC Federal Advocacy
 
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce advocates for 
strategic capital spending, a positive business climate and balanced tax reform 
to further the success of our 500+ members and to affirm Maryland's place as 
relevant and competitive in the regional and global marketplace. 

For more information on these and other advocacy issues, 
contact the MCCC Advocacy Team: