Public Policy Update

May 15, 2012

Primary Election Results: The Heat is on This Summer

The Primary Election was last Tuesday, and several races are up for a runoff election on July 17. Click here to view the results of those races.

Book Your Own Airfare – Come to D.C. with us for $900

Our annual trip to Washington, D.C, is quickly approaching and filling fast.  Our airfare block is full, and we are now offering a registration fee of $900, which includes hotel, meals and activities. You will book your airfare on your own. We will have meetings with the North Carolina Congressional Delegation, the president's administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in addition to a reception the first evening of the trip. Contact Lourdes Zapata for more details, click here to register. *Chamber members only*

Senator Berger Education Reform Event

Last Thursday, President Pro-Tempore Senator Berger spoke about his education reform bill that will be debated in the upcoming legislative short session, scheduled to convene on May 16. His bill, the Excellent Public Schools Act, focuses on literacy gains, the improvement of graduation rates, classroom accountability, rewarding effective teachers and providing calendar flexibility. Watch the video here.

N.C. Chamber Unemployment Insurance Fund Study

The N.C. Chamber has been collaborating with legislators to develop a comprehensive solution to the unemployment insurance debt problem that our state faces over the next years. Results from the N.C. Chamber study will be released soon, and we will be highlighting the recommendations in our next public policy newsletter on May 28. Given the current debt of $2.8 billion owed to the federal government, it is of utmost importance that we find a solution to the problem both efficiently and quickly. To estimate the financial impact your company may incur as a result of anticipated UI tax increases, click here to view the UI tax calculator.

Charlotte Entrepreneur Alliance – What's Cooking for 2012

At the most recent Charlotte City Council Economic Development Committee meeting, the Charlotte Entrepreneurial Alliance was the order of the day with an update on the group's mission and discussion on the potential to adopt a high growth entrepreneur strategy. Results were presented from a survey of high growth companies to gauge the economic impact of these ventures. The vision for Charlotte to be an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem will continue to drive the alliance's efforts. No action was required from City Council. Stay tuned for any future updates.

Export-Import Bank Bill Passes in U.S House

Last week, the U.S. House passed a measure, H.R. 2072, to reauthorize and increase the Export-Import Bank's lending cap from $100 billion to $120 billion for this year, $130 billion in 2013, and $140 billion by the end of the 2014 fiscal year. The legislation passed with a 330-93 vote and now will be voted on by the U.S. Senate. 

The Ex-Im Bank is a federal agency that assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. Click here to view details from the U.S. Chamber on the Export-Import Bank and its impact.