State Issues

Economic Development:
Support HB 3318/SB 2662 – Taxes, Hotel Motel – Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 4.  As introduced, limits the purpose of any ordinance enacted by a home rule municipality, or enacted by a private act, with regard to an occupancy tax to those that directly increase tourism within the jurisdiction from which they are collected.

Enhance infrastructure and training incentives and establish technology-driven incentives.

Education & Workforce Development:
Protect the higher academic rigor and realistic scores implemented by the State Board of Education and insist on thorough updates from the First to the Top Advisory Council.

Support the reforms in the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010.

Reject any proposal to allow for the election of directors of schools.

Oppose mandatory merger of schools systems and mandatory school start dates for local school systems.

Workplace:
Support Right-to-Work Laws – Employment at Will.

Oppose any bills that resemble the recently defeated Employee Free Choice Act/Card Check  – This legislation would strip employees of a private ballot in union organizing drives, interfere with a worker’s ability to deal directly with their employer and force unfair mandates on businesses.

Maintain business friendly conditions for Tennessee employers by continuing to improve the state’s Workers’ Compensation system.

Health Care:
Oppose mandatory health care requirements for employers.

Infrastructure:
Support Completion of Pellissippi Parkway to Highway 321 - TDOT proposes to extend and construct Pellissippi Parkway from SR 33 to SR 73 (US 321). The completion of Pellissippi Parkway is approximately 4.4 miles. The project was included in TEA-21 as a high priority project. 

See Regional Legislative Agenda 2012

Support completion of Alcoa Highway - The Alcoa Highway project consists of four different projects. The Blount Chamber supports the completion of the entire project which serves as the most direct route from Knoxville to McGhee Tyson Airport in Blount County.