Government Affairs

2009 Legislative Priorities

Business and Economic Development Support a system of fair and equitable tax incentives and tax credits that encourage business growth and the economic growth and development of the South Kansas City area. 
  • Business Incentives
    • Continue support of economic development tax credits as critical tools in attracting new businesses, encouraging expansion or existing businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating private investment.
    • Remain an ardent champion of small business growth and sustainability in the South Kansas City community. 
    • Support programs that drive job training and retention initiatives and funding.
  • Entrepreneurial Growth
    • Support the enhancement of entrepreneurial growth by increasing access to investors through the “Grow Me State Initiative” which provides for the crucial need for seed and early stage venture capital in South Kansas City, Missouri companies:  Support the concept of angel tax credit programs that are aimed to increase funding of startup firms that could lead to commercially viable products and expand the business market in South Kansas City.
  • Tax Increment Financing
    • Support a prudent use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a tool to encourage sustainable economic development and investment.  Support increase of state TIF cap.
    • Support our local and state policy makers in their efforts to fully and successfully implement the redevelopment of the Bannister Mall area and the relocation of the NNSA/Honeywell Facility to Botts Road and 150 Highway.
  • Business Climate
    • Support public policy that discourages burdensome taxation and regulation on business at both the state and city levels.   Support city and state government that is friendly to business and eliminates existing hurdles, red tape and barriers to competition and market entry.
 Education 
  • Support and advocate for full funding of Missouri’s foundation formula.  More significantly support a full review of the adequacy of Missouri’s current foundation formula in meeting the needs of our elementary and secondary schools.
  • Support K thru 12 and special education funding and its impact on strengthening the quality of education in the area and thus improving the business viability of the region.  
  • Support local school bonds to further support educational funding.
  • Advocate for continued authority of local boards of education to make local budget and policy decisions.
  • Support our institutions of post secondary education and public policies which improve the quality of education and encourages work place readiness and training at those institutions.
  • Support Missouri Department of Higher Education efforts to establish realistic funding levels at the beginning of each academic year and to deliver full-funding of the Missouri Access Grant consistently over fall and spring semesters so that Missouri families can plan appropriately for financing their students’ higher education.
 Transportation Support adequate funding at the federal, state and local levels to encourage regional approaches to public transit, transportation planning, and the continued improvement of Missouri’s interstates, highways and infrastructure. 
  • Support and monitor the development and implementation of a comprehensive multimodal transit strategy for the Kansas City area with an emphasis on South Kansas City.  Particular attention needs to be given to ensure the ongoing need for a robust system to allow south Kansas City residents to take advantage of future transit systems.  
  • Support the progression of the Richards-Gebaur/Intermodal project and the transportation infrastructure needs that may be required to support this effort especially the ongoing funding needs at both the local and state level.
  • Support the transformation of 71 Highway to Interstate 49.
 Public Safety/Quality of Life 
  • Support Kansas City MO District 6 City Council and Public Improvement Advisory Council (PIAC) representatives in ensuring that South Kansas City gets its equitable and fair allocation of city sales tax funds. 
  • Support Kansas City, MO District 6 City Council and community organizations’ efforts to minimize foreclosure issues in challenged areas of South Kansas City.
  • Support renewal of the sales tax for public safety which will support the funding and completion of a new South Patrol facility.
  • Support our local and state legislators in efforts to improve neighborhoods, city services and overall quality of life in South Kansas City.
  • Monitor state legislation to allow a statewide 9-1-1 wireless surcharge to support enhanced 9-1-1 service throughout Missouri.
  • Support the regional Jackson County Jail initiative.
 Energy and the Environment Support affordable, reliable and sustainable energy and climate protection policies that are essential to a thriving local and national economy.  As projections for energy demands continue to steadily increase, the South Kansas City Chamber supports measures that increase the availability of affordable and reliable energy through:  expanding overall energy production from increasingly cleaner sources and encouraging investment in broad based energy efficiency measures and alternative energy technologies. 
  • Monitor public policy and regulations at the local and state level that support the sustainability of our environmental health and establish level playing fields, but does not put South Kansas City businesses at an operational disadvantage.
  • Educate businesses on programs and opportunities available to help them become more energy efficient and encourage them to take advantage of these programs.
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