NKY Chamber unveils 2015 legislative priority agenda

Eight areas identified

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2014) — The NKY Chamber of Commerce unveiled its legiislative priority agenda on Wednesday. Where We Stand: 2015 Legislative Priority Agenda focuses on eight key items that give businesses the tools necessary to drive the Kentucky economy forward.

The eight priorities are:

• Public-Private Partnerships (P3) — P3 injects private sector expertise and efficiencies into public projects. This can save time and money while shifting some level of financial, design, construction and operational risk to the private sector. 34 states already have the ability to utilize this tool and Kentucky should be next.
• Local Option Sales Tax – This program gives more flexibility to local municipalities. Through a citizen vote, cities and/or counties can raise the sales tax a maximum of 1 percent to pay for predetermined capital projects, with the tax being removed upon completion.
• Historic Tax Credits — Urban and rural communities alike can benefit from a modernized Historic Tax Credit program. By removing some of the current barriers, this process can be a more reliable tool for financing redevelopment projects.
• Medical Review Panels — Each bordering state has protections in place to reduce the risk for healthcare providers. Medical Review Panels provide an added layer of accountability to review claims, will reduce costs to the healthcare system, and will make Kentucky a more competitive state for healthcare providers to do business in.
• Innovation Districts — Building on the success of the Angel Investor Tax Credit, Innovation Districts are the next wave of entrepreneurship. In this proposal the state would match local, private investment to support a clustering of talent and resources. The Kentucky Innovation Network already provides the expertise and framework to ensure Innovation Districts succeed statewide.
• Telecommunications Reform — Today, telecommunications infrastructure is as important as traditional infrastructure. If Kentucky intends to support industries like advanced manufacturing, informatics, and healthcare, we need the flexibility for investment into 21st century technology.
• Postsecondary Outcomes-Based Funding — Currently, postsecondary funding is based on historical precedence. Approximately one billion dollars are being spent without any metrics for success. By establishing a fair starting point, implementing clear metrics, and rewarding universities for success, Kentucky’s postsecondary institutions can deliver the results the Commonwealth needs to compete on a global scale.
• Comprehensive Heroin Plan — No issue has galvanized Northern Kentucky more than this epidemic. While there is no silver bullet, a comprehensive approach to treatment, law enforcement, education and protection will put the framework in place to combat the heroin epidemic.