A Recap of MCCC Advocacy Efforts on Your Behalf  - April 14, 2015
Georgette "Gigi" Godwin
President & CEO
The Maryland Legislative Session ended last night and MCCC had significant wins on behalf of our members.

Of the 2,234 proposed pieces of legislation, MCCC tracked over 100 and submitted testimony, letters and attended hearings for approximately 60 bills. MCCC's priorities included securing strategic capital project funding, balanced tax reform, and a positive business climate.

THANK YOU: Please join me in thanking MCCC Board Members who volunteered on your behalf to ensure a successful Annapolis session: Our long serving but now retiring Legislative Vice Chair, Tom McElroy of HUGHES An EchoStar Company, and dedicated and continuing Co-Chair, Joshua Bokee of Comcast; and our very effective MCCC Board Representative to the State Chamber Julie Garner of AstraZeneca/MedImmune. We also thank our effective lobbyists in Annapolis, "Team Venable", who worked closely with our staff to get us over the finish line successfully!

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
StofMD
State of Maryland

Key Wins in the 2015 Maryland Legislative Session

 

MCCC supported the following bills that passed: 

  • Augustine Commission bills (restructure DBED, Apprenticeship Program, Impact on Small Business, Tech Transfer, Customer Service Training) 
  • Increasing Veteran Owned Business participation in State procurement 
  • Ensuring taxes paid by online consumers were remitted to the State 
  • Preserving numerous business and R&D tax credits for strategic enterprises 
  • Studying the use of WMATA by Maryland riders 


MCCC opposed the following bills that were defeated: 

  • Combined Reporting 
  • Repeal of the Motor Fuel Tax 
  • A roll back of the recoupled estate tax 
  • Earned Sick and Safe leave
  • Maryland Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program and Trust


Highlights of the 2015 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session: 

  • Securing continued state funding for the Chamber Foundation's VIP program 
  • Testifying at the Joint Finance and Economic Matters Committee hearing in support of the TEN pieces of legislation from the Augustine Commission 
  • Testifying on the sponsor panel for MCPS school construction funding 
  • Participating in Transit/Purple Line Advocacy Events in Annapolis/the University of Maryland 
  • Working with sponsors Senator Brian Feldman (D15) and Delegate Kathleen Dumais (D15) to send a letter to the Augustine Commission encouraging a broad review of taxes beyond those that impact business directly. 
  • Collaborated with Prince George's Chamber on FBI, Purple Line and Regional Economic matters 


For a full list of our testimony, visit our 2015 MCCC Advocacy Page.

 
 

MDOT Secretary Pete Rahn Visits MCCC 

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Pete Rahn met with the MCCC Board of Directors to discuss

transportation in Maryland. It was a very candid conversation on the Purple Line, American Legion Bridge/495, Port of Baltimore, BWI, I-270, WMATA, MDOT process improvements and the role of transportation in realizing Maryland's Economic Development potential. Read the full recap here. 

 

County
Montgomery County
Montgomery County FY 16 Operating Budget Testimony - Tuesday, April 14 
MCCC will testify tonight as we continue to advocate for an independent economic development entity to grow our economy. We will also support a reduction in the FY 2011 Energy Tax increase that continues to hamper our economic growth. Read MCCC's testimony here. Find out more about the hearing here. 
Federal
Federal

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

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.  The comment period has been extended to May 6. Find out more about the rule and how you can submit your comments here.  

ComingUp
Coming Up at MCCC
 

Legislative Affairs Member Exchange Meeting - Friday, April 17, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Maryland's 90-day legislative session ended Monday, April 13. Join the Leadership from the Montgomery County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly Senator Nancy King (D39), Chair of the Senate Delegation, and Delegate Shane Robinson (D39), Chair of the House Delegation for a session wrap-up.

Register here.
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:
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