2008 Public Policy Statements
The Chamber has already approved the following positions for
the 2008 Legislative Session.
Apprenticeship Program Funding For
High School Students
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports appropriations
that would fund an apprenticeship program grant for Idaho’s
schools, enabling students to work in various trades while
receiving equivalency credit.
Support Post-Secondary Education and PTE Funding
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce takes a holistic
perspective on the educational system in Idaho supporting
our schools from the primary level through all levels of
post-secondary education so as to ensure the workforce needs
of businesses in our state are met.
Support the Repeal of the Personal Property Tax
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports the
elimination of the personal property tax.
Support Streamlined Sales Tax
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce believes that the
state of Idaho should become a member state of the
Streamlined Sales Tax Project so that sales and use taxes
can be collected on sales made by remote sellers.
Support Urban Renewal Agencies
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports the work
of Urban Renewal Agencies in the state as an effective
economic development tool. The Chamber will examine any
future legislation to ensure that only reasonable
legislation or that which enhances this tool are
implemented. Conversely we will continue to advocate against
any changes that would dismantle or unduly constrain URA’s
effectiveness.
Support Increased Transportation Funding
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce recognizes a
significant need to expand and improve the state’s road
infrastructure network. To accomplish this, the Chamber
proposes two methods to address this persistent need:
1.) Addressing the current annual budget shortfall
through a combination of funding source increases, including
registration fees, rental car fees, and sales tax on fuel at
the distributor level.
2.) Continued support of the GARVEE program.
Support Funding for the Study of an Inland Pacific Hub
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports Kootenai
Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (KMPO) request for a
$200,000 appropriation from the Idaho legislature for the
study of the feasibility of developing a global trade
gateway through eastern Washington and North Idaho.
Support North Idaho Water Adjudication
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports efforts to
initiate the water adjudication process in North Idaho to
ensure water rights in the Rathdrum Aquifer are dealt with.
Community Health Centers Grant Funding
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce supports the
initiative from the Idaho Primary Care Association (IPCA) to
secure capital funding for needed health care equipment at
the 10 primary health care centers across the State.
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