EAST VALLEY CHAMBER ALLIANCE PRESENTS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Group Takes Position on Health Care, Fund Restoration and More

GILBERT – The East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance released this month their 2010 Legislative Agenda to state legislators, identifying the group’s positions, priorities, and core values on several issues including health care, taxation, education and more.

“As is expected, the budget will be on the front burner throughout the session but there are other priorities that need attention to improve Arizona’s business climate,” said Susan Brechbill, chairwoman of Board of Directors of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

The EVCCA is asking the state Legislature to restore funds to designated sources that were swept over previous budget cycles and urges regularly scheduled reviews to confirm proper use of tax-supported funds. According the group’s agenda, if tax-supported funds are not being used for the intended purpose, the tax and fund should be abolished.

Other priorities listed in the Legislative Agenda include a permanent repeal of the state equalization property tax; emphasis on health care cost transparency, access, portability and reasonable costs; increased requirements for initiatives; an immediate moratorium on collection of job training fund taxes; a government privatization review process; review of property tax inequities; a guarantee of employees’ right to vote by secret ballot regarding union organization decisions; reform of the current litigation system regarding tort reform and alternative dispute resolution, and; opposition of Arizona’s participation in the Western Climate Initiative.

“The positions taken by EVCCA are, we feel, in the best interest of our businesses,” Brechbill said. “Building a solid business base for Arizona is of utmost importance and we look forward to working with our legislative delegation during this session.”

View the Legislative Agenda in its entirety or go to www.gilbertaz.com

The East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance represents more than 7,500 member firms from the Ahwatukee Foothills, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe Chambers of Commerce. The EVCCA serves to provide coordination and to advance the common business interests of the East Valley.

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