Elected Officials Envision Coastal Alabama Policy and Positions Legislative Agenda Legislative Survey Results Additional Resources
Policy and Positions - State Issues
ENDORSEMENT OF
TORP BIENVILLE OFFSHORE TERMINAL
Board of Directors Approved September 26, 2007
Mobile-area businesses are concerned about energy availability and price. In 2006, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a comprehensive Energy Policy calling for, in part, increasing the supply of energy in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment. Further, recognizing Alabama’s growing need for natural gas, the policy encourages expediting the permitting process for new energy source infrastructure, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants.
TORP Technology plans to build its Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal 63 miles off the Alabama coast in order to receive, warm and transport needed natural gas to onshore customers. TORP Technology has worked to address environmental concerns through its newer technologies, lack of chemical discharge and reduction in harmful emissions, and its proposed location 63 miles offshore.
Available and affordable energy is critical to sustaining Mobile and Alabama’s continued economic growth. Therefore, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce encourages the approval of TORP’s Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal to benefit Alabama’s businesses.
Further, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce calls upon TORP to stringently monitor the facility’s environmental impact and to mitigate such impact as quickly as possible.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
INCREASING CAP ON THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND
Board of Directors Approved May 30, 2007
Whereas, in 2000, the Alabama Legislature enacted and the voters approved a constitutional amendment to transfer 28% of royalties paid by oil and gas companies into a new fund called the Capital Improvement Trust Fund (CITF), to be used for economic development and capital improvements; and
Whereas, there is currently a cap of $350 million on bonds authorized from the CITF, and after 7 years, the CITF has essentially reached that cap because the funds from it have been obligated; and
Whereas, this cap must be increased in order for the state to continue offering economic incentives from the CITF; and
Whereas, during a five-day special session in February, the Legislature unanimously approved an increase in the cap from $350 million to $750 million and that increase is now subject to a statewide referendum on a constitutional amendment; and
Whereas, the State of Alabama is competing with other states for a number of major projects that are considering sites all across Alabama that will bring thousands of new jobs to Alabamians and billions of new dollars into the state's economy; and
Whereas, in southwest Alabama, the CITF will provide incentives to ThyssenKrupp who will build a 3,700 acre, multi-billion dollar facility in north Mobile County near Calvert, which will employ 2,700 full-time workers and create 29,000 construction jobs over the next three years; and
Whereas, money borrowed for incentives and capital improvements is repaid from the royalties that oil and gas companies pay to the state for operating off Alabama’s shores;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports Amendment Number One on the June 5 ballot, and strongly encourages its members and citizens to vote in favor of the constitutional amendment to increase the CITF cap to $750 million; the Chamber will also notify the membership and the media of this position.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOUNDS’ DAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2007
Board of Directors Approved January 31, 2007
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION was formally established by the University’s Board of Trustees on February 1, 1967 to provide students with quality, accessible undergraduate and graduate professional education, preparing graduates for professional careers and lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION is nationally accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and is the only college in Alabama to offer master's and doctoral programs in Instructional Design and Development; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION fosters and maintains partnerships with the community via the Dean’s Advisory Council and departmental advisory committees, providing a steady reference for the needs of today's educational, governmental, community agency, and business institutions to ensure that the College’s programs and policies are firmly grounded in both theory and practice; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION serves as a resource to the community and cooperating institutions through such initiatives as the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center (SARIC) to further student achievement, to mentor and induct new professionals, and to provide strategic and sustained support; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the inaugural Founders’ Day celebration on February 1, 2007; now
THEREFORE, The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors offers its
congratulations and grateful appreciation for the significant positive impact THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION has had upon the Mobile region over the past 40 years.
COMMUNICATIONS REFORM ACT OF 2005
Board of Directors Approved March 4, 2005
As a business organization, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has long supported the free enterprise system and the benefits of increased competition – increased choices, improved services and lowered prices for the consumer.
Moreover, the Chamber’s 2005 Agenda for the Community includes the following item: Support the review and repeal of outdated, unnecessary regulations.
The Alabama legislature is considering legislation – the Communications Reform Act of 2005 -- that will reform the state’s telecommunications law, introducing more market-based competition vs. today’s government regulation. Specifically, the law enables local exchange telephone companies the freedom to:
- create new packages, or bundles, to meet customer needs;
- create additional service contracts, for better pricing;
- more effectively compete against unregulated competitors for broadband services, for more customer choice;
Under the proposed law, the Alabama Public Service Commission retains jurisdiction over single phone line matters, including customer service, installation, repair and billing complaints.
As the Communications Reform Act of 2005 is based on such pro-business principles as free enterprise, the benefits of additional competition and less government regulation, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce calls on the Alabama Legislature to pass this legislation and deliver its benefits to all Alabama citizens and businesses.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO
DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & NATURAL RESOURCES REGULATIONS
Approved by Executive Committee February 17,2004
At a meeting of the Seafood Promotion Task Force on February 4, 2004, it was requested that our Chamber support several changes to existing regulations. The rationale for the proposed changes is as follows:
A. Changes to 220-3-.01
1) Establish a shrimp nursery area in upper Mobile Bay north of Fowl River and west the Mobile Ship Channel and north of a line from the Arlington Channel to Great Point Clear. 2) Establish a shrimp nursery area in Mobile County north of a line beginning at the Mississippi State Line running along the Rigolets to Point Aux Pins then east to the “BC” Beacon in the Bayou La Batre Ship Channel and then southeast to the northwest point of the middle cut that bisects Coffee Island (Isle Aux Herbes). This area includes Grand Bay.
The above changes would provide better conservation of shrimp by allowing the shrimp to mature and grow larger before moving to the lower bay and Gulf. It would also reduce by-catch of juvenile fish in those areas.
B. Establish a special oyster dredge season in two areas in Portersville Bay and repeal 220-3-.65 Temporary Closed Season to Oystering – New Reef in Portersville Bay.
This is a research proposal for selected oyster reefs in Alabama. This type of dredging will enlarge the reefs and stimulate future production. These dredging projects will be done privately, not by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Conditions in Portersville Bay are not clear for oystering.
POSITION STATEMENT REGARDING
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN
Board Approved July 17, 2003
The mission of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is to serve as a progressive advocate for business needs to promote the Mobile area’s economic well-being. To that end, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has issued and reaffirmed statements over the years in support of a more equitable tax system, stable funding for public education, and accountability in the public sector. The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports the Tax Reform/Accountability package passed by the Alabama Legislature, which addresses these reforms.
We believe that the State’s financial situation is dire, and that systemic and lasting change is crucial to Alabama’s future fiscal health. The Tax Reform/Accountability package will provide a more stable economic environment for the business community and greater opportunity for future economic development. It will also provide the necessary revenue for public education, while establishing accountability measures that will demand sound fiscal management of our schools. The accountability measure permanently banning the practice of “pass-through pork” will help rebuild public trust in the state government’s handling of taxpayer money and will help ensure that money is spent where it is most needed. Finally, we are confident that the investment made in Alabama’s future via college scholarships and programs such as the Alabama Reading Initiative will propel our children into a more productive future.
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports the passage of the Tax Reform/Accountability package that will be put before the people of Alabama on September 9, 2003.
POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING
TAX REFORM / ACCOUNTABILITY PACKAGE
Board Approved May 28, 2003
In January 2003, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a position statement calling upon “the Governor and Legislature of the state of Alabama to take immediate action to reform education spending in ways necessary to maximize public trust and to secure sufficient additional revenues for high quality education in Alabama from pre-kindergarten through post secondary education.”
The Chamber commends Governor Bob Riley and members of the Alabama Legislature for their courage in addressing the financial crisis facing the State. The Governor’s efforts to facilitate lasting and systemic change and to tie tax reform to mandated accountability in state government and increased funding for public education will move Alabama forward. The Chamber believes that only through fundamental change will the State, its citizens and its economy move forward in these challenging times.
Most importantly, the Chamber believes the Alabama Legislature should afford Alabamians the right to vote on whether or not they support this tax reform / accountability package. The Chamber urges members of the Alabama Legislature to pass legislation as proposed by the Governor for the citizens of Alabama to consider.
POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING
PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING IN ALABAMA
Board Approved January 29, 2003
WHEREAS, we believe there is a direct correlation between the level of education and an increase in earnings, strengthened job security, and overall economic and personal growth for Alabama citizens;
WHEREAS, we believe a stronger public education system from pre-kindergarten through post-graduate studies will enable companies to achieve higher productivity and cost savings afforded by a skilled and stable workforce;
WHEREAS, we believe today’s students will be the future skilled workforce needed to advance Alabama’s economic development, industrial recruitment and job growth;
WHEREAS, we believe there is no stronger contributor to fostering economic development, industry growth, and increased personal incomes than the proper education and continued skill attainment of our current and future workforce;
WHEREAS, we believe preparing an educated workforce extends beyond a K-12 public education system to include those technical skills acquired through post-secondary colleges and professional skills attained through institutions of higher education;
WHEREAS, we believe new revenue for public education is needed and that sound measures to ensure proper accountability should be in place to administer and monitor public education funding;
WHEREAS, we believe all individuals and corporations doing business within the state of Alabama should be willing to pay an equitable share of the total investment needed to advance statewide educational excellence;
WHEREAS, we wish to partner with other advocates of education in Alabama to promote the value of excellence in education at all levels and for all students, regardless of the public education system in which they are enrolled, their race, their economic level or their county of residency;
WHEREAS, we support the Alabama Department of Education, the Campaign for Alabama, and other advocacy groups in their efforts to gain the public support essential for improving education in Alabama;
WHEREAS, we believe Alabama’s school children deserve a high quality education supported with comparable resources to Alabama’s peer states in the Southeast (Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MOBILE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE calls upon the Governor and Legislature of the state of Alabama to take immediate action to reform education spending in ways necessary to maximize public trust and to secure sufficient additional revenues for high quality education in Alabama from pre-kindergarten through post secondary education. Such reforms should be based on the following principles:
1) Accountability in the education funding process will maximize public trust, and public trust must be enhanced before additional funding can be secured;
2) The effort to properly fund public education, including pre-school, K-12 and higher education, must be pursued within the context of improving tax fairness in Alabama;
3) Increased revenue for education must be provided with a proper balance among revenue sources (income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, etc.) and a proper balance between state and local sources.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION POLICY STATEMENT
Board Approved February 27, 2002
Written in 1901 and amended 707 times, the state of Alabama’s constitution is the longest and most unwieldy state constitution in America. It places stringent limitations on state government and eliminates the independence of local government.
The Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) proposes a “citizen convention” as a mechanism to rewrite Alabama’s constitution. Introduced in this Legislative session, the ACCR legislative package sets forth specific safeguards designed to prevent control of such a convention by special interest groups. It establishes a firm timeline for reform that ensures the accountability of elected delegates (attached as information is a summary of the key points of the ACCR legislative package).
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has long advocated constitutional reform as a means to build a more efficient and effective state government. Therefore, the Chamber’s Board of Directors supports the legislation proposed by ACCR, which outlines steps for a constitution convention, including a “citizens” convention in the summer of 2003, leading to a vote of the people in 2004 and a new constitution document to take effect in 2005.
EDUCATION FUNDING POLICY STATEMENT
Board Approved December 10, 2001
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has long worked to improve the quality and funding of public education because of their critical link to the quality of life for all citizens.
The Chamber recognizes Alabama’s education budget faces proration in the current fiscal year. Alabama cannot afford to suffer through another year of proration.
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce believes:
• Alabama business should be taxed at a level that is fair, equitable and allows our state to create and attract new jobs;
• The Alabama Legislature should not adopt funding solutions that are one-time, band-aid approaches to education funding. A comprehensive, long-term view of our tax structure and expenditures should be a part of any solution to prevent future proration;
• Alabama should establish a “rainy-day” contingency fund and use the previous year’s actual revenues in budgeting, rather than relying on projections to prevent future proration.
The Chamber calls on the Governor and the Alabama Legislature to adopt a more equitable, permanent proration prevention plan that will help our schools and will continue to bring jobs and businesses to our state.
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENT I
Board Approved August 23, 2000
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Docks are of great economic importance to the state of Alabama and in particular the Mobile area; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Docks are in need of substantial repairs, improvements and expansion in order to meet the evolving needs of modern maritime commerce and increasing international trade; and
WHEREAS, local road and bridge conditions are important to the growth and economic development of the Mobile area; and
WHEREAS, Mobile’s share of state transportation funding has decreased over the last five years in relation to other areas of the state; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Legislature has proposed an amendment to the Alabama Constitution of 1901 that would provide funding for repairs, improvements and expansion of the Alabama State Docks and provide funding to Alabama counties for road and bridge improvements; and
WHEREAS, the increased funding to the Alabama State Docks would increase Alabama’s ability to better compete for global shipping and create more jobs for Alabamians; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the voters of Alabama in the November 7th general election;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Board of Directors of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the adoption of Amendment 1 on the November 2000 general election ballot and strongly urges its members and area citizens to vote in favor of Amendment 1 as well.
OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 431
Board Approved April 10, 2001
House Bill 431, sponsored by Representatives Greeson, Oden, Jones, Schmitz, and Morrison, under existing law, city and county boards of education may enter into cooperative agreements, projects and programs with their respective governing bodies.
Passage of House Bill 431 would specify that, irrespective of such authority, support personnel would be required to be employees of the local board of education, and would be entitled to all benefits provided by law for such employees. (4-10-01)
OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 146
Board Approved February 11, 2000
Senate Bill 146, sponsored by Senator George Callahan, would dedicate a portion of the existing gross receipts tax to a Special School Construction Fund with the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2000, in the amount of one tenth of one cent and increasing each succeeding year by one tenth on one cent until the amount is one half of one cent. (2-11-00)
OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 162
Board Approved February 11, 2000
Senate Bill 162, sponsored by Senator George Callahan, would provide for the creation of a study committee to study the form, structure, and authority of county government in the county; to provide for a report and an advisory referendum on the final proposals of the committee; and to provide for further action by the Legislature.
OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 323
Board Approved February 11, 2000
House Bill 323, sponsored by Patrick Jones, would automatically sunset all state tax exemptions every four years, including economic development exemptions, non profit exemptions, etc.
TORP BIENVILLE OFFSHORE TERMINAL
Board of Directors Approved September 26, 2007
Mobile-area businesses are concerned about energy availability and price. In 2006, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a comprehensive Energy Policy calling for, in part, increasing the supply of energy in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment. Further, recognizing Alabama’s growing need for natural gas, the policy encourages expediting the permitting process for new energy source infrastructure, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants.
TORP Technology plans to build its Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal 63 miles off the Alabama coast in order to receive, warm and transport needed natural gas to onshore customers. TORP Technology has worked to address environmental concerns through its newer technologies, lack of chemical discharge and reduction in harmful emissions, and its proposed location 63 miles offshore.
Available and affordable energy is critical to sustaining Mobile and Alabama’s continued economic growth. Therefore, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce encourages the approval of TORP’s Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal to benefit Alabama’s businesses.
Further, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce calls upon TORP to stringently monitor the facility’s environmental impact and to mitigate such impact as quickly as possible.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
INCREASING CAP ON THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND
Board of Directors Approved May 30, 2007
Whereas, in 2000, the Alabama Legislature enacted and the voters approved a constitutional amendment to transfer 28% of royalties paid by oil and gas companies into a new fund called the Capital Improvement Trust Fund (CITF), to be used for economic development and capital improvements; and
Whereas, there is currently a cap of $350 million on bonds authorized from the CITF, and after 7 years, the CITF has essentially reached that cap because the funds from it have been obligated; and
Whereas, this cap must be increased in order for the state to continue offering economic incentives from the CITF; and
Whereas, during a five-day special session in February, the Legislature unanimously approved an increase in the cap from $350 million to $750 million and that increase is now subject to a statewide referendum on a constitutional amendment; and
Whereas, the State of Alabama is competing with other states for a number of major projects that are considering sites all across Alabama that will bring thousands of new jobs to Alabamians and billions of new dollars into the state's economy; and
Whereas, in southwest Alabama, the CITF will provide incentives to ThyssenKrupp who will build a 3,700 acre, multi-billion dollar facility in north Mobile County near Calvert, which will employ 2,700 full-time workers and create 29,000 construction jobs over the next three years; and
Whereas, money borrowed for incentives and capital improvements is repaid from the royalties that oil and gas companies pay to the state for operating off Alabama’s shores;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports Amendment Number One on the June 5 ballot, and strongly encourages its members and citizens to vote in favor of the constitutional amendment to increase the CITF cap to $750 million; the Chamber will also notify the membership and the media of this position.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOUNDS’ DAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2007
Board of Directors Approved January 31, 2007
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION was formally established by the University’s Board of Trustees on February 1, 1967 to provide students with quality, accessible undergraduate and graduate professional education, preparing graduates for professional careers and lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION is nationally accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and is the only college in Alabama to offer master's and doctoral programs in Instructional Design and Development; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION fosters and maintains partnerships with the community via the Dean’s Advisory Council and departmental advisory committees, providing a steady reference for the needs of today's educational, governmental, community agency, and business institutions to ensure that the College’s programs and policies are firmly grounded in both theory and practice; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION serves as a resource to the community and cooperating institutions through such initiatives as the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center (SARIC) to further student achievement, to mentor and induct new professionals, and to provide strategic and sustained support; and
WHEREAS, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the inaugural Founders’ Day celebration on February 1, 2007; now
THEREFORE, The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors offers its
congratulations and grateful appreciation for the significant positive impact THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION has had upon the Mobile region over the past 40 years.
COMMUNICATIONS REFORM ACT OF 2005
Board of Directors Approved March 4, 2005
As a business organization, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has long supported the free enterprise system and the benefits of increased competition – increased choices, improved services and lowered prices for the consumer.
Moreover, the Chamber’s 2005 Agenda for the Community includes the following item: Support the review and repeal of outdated, unnecessary regulations.
The Alabama legislature is considering legislation – the Communications Reform Act of 2005 -- that will reform the state’s telecommunications law, introducing more market-based competition vs. today’s government regulation. Specifically, the law enables local exchange telephone companies the freedom to:
- create new packages, or bundles, to meet customer needs;
- create additional service contracts, for better pricing;
- more effectively compete against unregulated competitors for broadband services, for more customer choice;
Under the proposed law, the Alabama Public Service Commission retains jurisdiction over single phone line matters, including customer service, installation, repair and billing complaints.
As the Communications Reform Act of 2005 is based on such pro-business principles as free enterprise, the benefits of additional competition and less government regulation, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce calls on the Alabama Legislature to pass this legislation and deliver its benefits to all Alabama citizens and businesses.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO
DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & NATURAL RESOURCES REGULATIONS
Approved by Executive Committee February 17,2004
At a meeting of the Seafood Promotion Task Force on February 4, 2004, it was requested that our Chamber support several changes to existing regulations. The rationale for the proposed changes is as follows:
A. Changes to 220-3-.01
1) Establish a shrimp nursery area in upper Mobile Bay north of Fowl River and west the Mobile Ship Channel and north of a line from the Arlington Channel to Great Point Clear. 2) Establish a shrimp nursery area in Mobile County north of a line beginning at the Mississippi State Line running along the Rigolets to Point Aux Pins then east to the “BC” Beacon in the Bayou La Batre Ship Channel and then southeast to the northwest point of the middle cut that bisects Coffee Island (Isle Aux Herbes). This area includes Grand Bay.
The above changes would provide better conservation of shrimp by allowing the shrimp to mature and grow larger before moving to the lower bay and Gulf. It would also reduce by-catch of juvenile fish in those areas.
B. Establish a special oyster dredge season in two areas in Portersville Bay and repeal 220-3-.65 Temporary Closed Season to Oystering – New Reef in Portersville Bay.
This is a research proposal for selected oyster reefs in Alabama. This type of dredging will enlarge the reefs and stimulate future production. These dredging projects will be done privately, not by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Conditions in Portersville Bay are not clear for oystering.
POSITION STATEMENT REGARDING
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN
Board Approved July 17, 2003
The mission of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is to serve as a progressive advocate for business needs to promote the Mobile area’s economic well-being. To that end, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has issued and reaffirmed statements over the years in support of a more equitable tax system, stable funding for public education, and accountability in the public sector. The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports the Tax Reform/Accountability package passed by the Alabama Legislature, which addresses these reforms.
We believe that the State’s financial situation is dire, and that systemic and lasting change is crucial to Alabama’s future fiscal health. The Tax Reform/Accountability package will provide a more stable economic environment for the business community and greater opportunity for future economic development. It will also provide the necessary revenue for public education, while establishing accountability measures that will demand sound fiscal management of our schools. The accountability measure permanently banning the practice of “pass-through pork” will help rebuild public trust in the state government’s handling of taxpayer money and will help ensure that money is spent where it is most needed. Finally, we are confident that the investment made in Alabama’s future via college scholarships and programs such as the Alabama Reading Initiative will propel our children into a more productive future.
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports the passage of the Tax Reform/Accountability package that will be put before the people of Alabama on September 9, 2003.
POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING
TAX REFORM / ACCOUNTABILITY PACKAGE
Board Approved May 28, 2003
In January 2003, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a position statement calling upon “the Governor and Legislature of the state of Alabama to take immediate action to reform education spending in ways necessary to maximize public trust and to secure sufficient additional revenues for high quality education in Alabama from pre-kindergarten through post secondary education.”
The Chamber commends Governor Bob Riley and members of the Alabama Legislature for their courage in addressing the financial crisis facing the State. The Governor’s efforts to facilitate lasting and systemic change and to tie tax reform to mandated accountability in state government and increased funding for public education will move Alabama forward. The Chamber believes that only through fundamental change will the State, its citizens and its economy move forward in these challenging times.
Most importantly, the Chamber believes the Alabama Legislature should afford Alabamians the right to vote on whether or not they support this tax reform / accountability package. The Chamber urges members of the Alabama Legislature to pass legislation as proposed by the Governor for the citizens of Alabama to consider.
POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING
PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING IN ALABAMA
Board Approved January 29, 2003
WHEREAS, we believe there is a direct correlation between the level of education and an increase in earnings, strengthened job security, and overall economic and personal growth for Alabama citizens;
WHEREAS, we believe a stronger public education system from pre-kindergarten through post-graduate studies will enable companies to achieve higher productivity and cost savings afforded by a skilled and stable workforce;
WHEREAS, we believe today’s students will be the future skilled workforce needed to advance Alabama’s economic development, industrial recruitment and job growth;
WHEREAS, we believe there is no stronger contributor to fostering economic development, industry growth, and increased personal incomes than the proper education and continued skill attainment of our current and future workforce;
WHEREAS, we believe preparing an educated workforce extends beyond a K-12 public education system to include those technical skills acquired through post-secondary colleges and professional skills attained through institutions of higher education;
WHEREAS, we believe new revenue for public education is needed and that sound measures to ensure proper accountability should be in place to administer and monitor public education funding;
WHEREAS, we believe all individuals and corporations doing business within the state of Alabama should be willing to pay an equitable share of the total investment needed to advance statewide educational excellence;
WHEREAS, we wish to partner with other advocates of education in Alabama to promote the value of excellence in education at all levels and for all students, regardless of the public education system in which they are enrolled, their race, their economic level or their county of residency;
WHEREAS, we support the Alabama Department of Education, the Campaign for Alabama, and other advocacy groups in their efforts to gain the public support essential for improving education in Alabama;
WHEREAS, we believe Alabama’s school children deserve a high quality education supported with comparable resources to Alabama’s peer states in the Southeast (Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MOBILE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE calls upon the Governor and Legislature of the state of Alabama to take immediate action to reform education spending in ways necessary to maximize public trust and to secure sufficient additional revenues for high quality education in Alabama from pre-kindergarten through post secondary education. Such reforms should be based on the following principles:
1) Accountability in the education funding process will maximize public trust, and public trust must be enhanced before additional funding can be secured;
2) The effort to properly fund public education, including pre-school, K-12 and higher education, must be pursued within the context of improving tax fairness in Alabama;
3) Increased revenue for education must be provided with a proper balance among revenue sources (income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, etc.) and a proper balance between state and local sources.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION POLICY STATEMENT
Board Approved February 27, 2002
Written in 1901 and amended 707 times, the state of Alabama’s constitution is the longest and most unwieldy state constitution in America. It places stringent limitations on state government and eliminates the independence of local government.
The Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) proposes a “citizen convention” as a mechanism to rewrite Alabama’s constitution. Introduced in this Legislative session, the ACCR legislative package sets forth specific safeguards designed to prevent control of such a convention by special interest groups. It establishes a firm timeline for reform that ensures the accountability of elected delegates (attached as information is a summary of the key points of the ACCR legislative package).
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has long advocated constitutional reform as a means to build a more efficient and effective state government. Therefore, the Chamber’s Board of Directors supports the legislation proposed by ACCR, which outlines steps for a constitution convention, including a “citizens” convention in the summer of 2003, leading to a vote of the people in 2004 and a new constitution document to take effect in 2005.
EDUCATION FUNDING POLICY STATEMENT
Board Approved December 10, 2001
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has long worked to improve the quality and funding of public education because of their critical link to the quality of life for all citizens.
The Chamber recognizes Alabama’s education budget faces proration in the current fiscal year. Alabama cannot afford to suffer through another year of proration.
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce believes:
• Alabama business should be taxed at a level that is fair, equitable and allows our state to create and attract new jobs;
• The Alabama Legislature should not adopt funding solutions that are one-time, band-aid approaches to education funding. A comprehensive, long-term view of our tax structure and expenditures should be a part of any solution to prevent future proration;
• Alabama should establish a “rainy-day” contingency fund and use the previous year’s actual revenues in budgeting, rather than relying on projections to prevent future proration.
The Chamber calls on the Governor and the Alabama Legislature to adopt a more equitable, permanent proration prevention plan that will help our schools and will continue to bring jobs and businesses to our state.
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENT I
Board Approved August 23, 2000
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Docks are of great economic importance to the state of Alabama and in particular the Mobile area; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Docks are in need of substantial repairs, improvements and expansion in order to meet the evolving needs of modern maritime commerce and increasing international trade; and
WHEREAS, local road and bridge conditions are important to the growth and economic development of the Mobile area; and
WHEREAS, Mobile’s share of state transportation funding has decreased over the last five years in relation to other areas of the state; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Legislature has proposed an amendment to the Alabama Constitution of 1901 that would provide funding for repairs, improvements and expansion of the Alabama State Docks and provide funding to Alabama counties for road and bridge improvements; and
WHEREAS, the increased funding to the Alabama State Docks would increase Alabama’s ability to better compete for global shipping and create more jobs for Alabamians; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the voters of Alabama in the November 7th general election;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Board of Directors of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the adoption of Amendment 1 on the November 2000 general election ballot and strongly urges its members and area citizens to vote in favor of Amendment 1 as well.
OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 431
Board Approved April 10, 2001
House Bill 431, sponsored by Representatives Greeson, Oden, Jones, Schmitz, and Morrison, under existing law, city and county boards of education may enter into cooperative agreements, projects and programs with their respective governing bodies.
Passage of House Bill 431 would specify that, irrespective of such authority, support personnel would be required to be employees of the local board of education, and would be entitled to all benefits provided by law for such employees. (4-10-01)
OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 146
Board Approved February 11, 2000
Senate Bill 146, sponsored by Senator George Callahan, would dedicate a portion of the existing gross receipts tax to a Special School Construction Fund with the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2000, in the amount of one tenth of one cent and increasing each succeeding year by one tenth on one cent until the amount is one half of one cent. (2-11-00)
OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 162
Board Approved February 11, 2000
Senate Bill 162, sponsored by Senator George Callahan, would provide for the creation of a study committee to study the form, structure, and authority of county government in the county; to provide for a report and an advisory referendum on the final proposals of the committee; and to provide for further action by the Legislature.
OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 323
Board Approved February 11, 2000
House Bill 323, sponsored by Patrick Jones, would automatically sunset all state tax exemptions every four years, including economic development exemptions, non profit exemptions, etc.
