2008 Legislative Agenda

The members of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce have identified the following issues, policies and appropriations as fundamental to Alabama’s progress because they will help to build additional jobs and a more positive business climate in the Mobile area.

Critical Issues

To prevent growing congestion, seek increased state and federal support and funding to address transportation infrastructure needs including a western Mobile bypass, a Mobile River bridge and the four-laning of U.S. Highway 45.

Support and encourage balanced and inclusive pro-business practices and procedures that encourage development and growth within the city of Mobile and Mobile County. Encourage fair and expeditious permitting practices for both local and out of town investors.

Strengthen strategic workforce partnerships to create seamless, demand-driven education and training services that produce a highly-prepared and competitive workforce for our region.

Support a restructuring of the Mobile County School Board to allow for greater representation and more frequent elections.

Support efforts to secure federal military contracts, including Northrop Grumman-EADS’s efforts to build a new refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force, and Austal USA-General Dynamic’s next-generation Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy

Secure balance of $20 million tobacco settlement funds for USA’s Mitchell Cancer Center.

Support a comprehensive, federal energy policy that would increase the supply of energy in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment, promote comprehensive energy conservation and encourage research and development of alternative energy sources.

Legislative Action
Support market-driven health insurance legislation that is affordable and accessible for small business; seek innovative solutions for providing prescription drug coverage at a reasonable cost.

Seek legislation to establish state-guaranteed, zero-interest small business loans available immediately following a federally-declared natural disaster to bridge the time until insurance claims are paid and other disaster relief funds or financial assistance can be acquired

Seek legislation that allows for the protection of manufacturers from frivolous plaintiff suits due to noise and/or other minor nuisances

Support state tax credits for the renovation of historical buildings.

Support legislation to protect and enhance property insurance coverage so that individuals and businesses can find reasonable and available protection for their homes and business

Appropriations
Seek federal funds for a southern turning basin that will allow the Mobile Container Terminal and McDuffie Coal Terminal to accommodate larger ships now prevalent in the marketplace and to retain the Port of Mobile’s competitiveness in global trade.

Policy Statements
Advocate for stable sources of adequate funding for all state-directed public education initiatives that will ensure an increase in student achievement and a fundamentally well-rounded education.

Support the review and repeal of outdated, unnecessary regulations and seek greater reform, efficiency and accountability in state and local government.

Reform immigration policy to strengthen our national security, including increasing protection of our borders, while providing a supplemental workforce for American businesses and industry; ensure the continuity and expansion of H-1B, H-2B and L-1 visas for professionals and highly valued workers.

Support fair trade initiatives and agreements designed to increase access to global markets, including reducing trade and tourism restrictions with Cuba.

Support fair and equitable tax reform to stimulate business growth and development; ensure that taxes and tax reform are applied fairly, without levying a disproportionate burden on individual segments of Alabama’s economy.

Support infrastructure project funding and legislative initiatives that improve the prospect of future economic success, including improvements to the port, airport, rail, water, sewer and industrial site infrastructure as well as strategic transportation infrastructure needs.

Seek a fair and level distribution of fuel tax dollars that will allow for adequate funding of critical road and bridge infrastructure projects in southwest Alabama.

Support the creation of a state-appointed board of directors to oversee the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Support Mobile Area Water & Sewer System request for regional wastewater treatment authority for Chickasaw, Satsuma and Prichard, resulting in new treatment plant.

Support existing eminent domain statutes so to maintain economic development and quality of life initiatives, such as new manufacturing facilities and industrial/commercial parks as well as the revitalization of blighted areas, public housing and green space.

Support tort reform measures including reduction in post-judgment interest, caps on mental anguish and limits on product liability awards.

Simplify and reform the 1901 Constitution of the State of Alabama, including the opportunity for counties to choose “home rule” and provide the governor with line-item veto powers.



Approved by Board of Directors
10-24-07