GLI Releases 2016 Federal Policy Agenda

Ahead of its 2016 DC Fly-In, GLI is releasing a document outlining its federal priorities for the business community in 2016.

“The federal agenda is a unique and essential advocacy tool utilized by our region,” said Kent Oyler, President & CEO, “When we take top leaders on the DC Fly-In, the agenda provides the ability to address a host of issues to our officials on a limited time frame.”

Each issue on the agenda directly impacts multiple businesses in the region. Those include:

• Reforms to the individual and corporate tax codes, a long-term solution for federal tax extenders, and a measure that allows states to levy a sales tax to online retailers just as they do “brick and mortar retailers”
• Flexible compensatory practices for private businesses in the wake of the Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule
• An increase in the H1-B visa cap that fits workforce needs
• Increased funding for education, especially early childhood education and STEM programs
• Concerns regarding over-burdensome EPA regulations, including an expansion of the definition of Waters of the U.S. and the Clean Power Plan
• Increased investment for inland waterways and an ensuring that funds allocated under the FAST Act are allocated as written
• Funding for aviation systems and reauthorization of the FAA
• International trade agreements that do not permit currency manipulation
• Reforms to the Affordable Care Act and the Recovery Audit Contractor program
• Expanding treatment for drug addiction and mental health
• Increased access to capital and funding for technical assistance and capacity building for small businesses

The policy priorities were selected by business leaders participating in GLI’s Public Policy Committee system.  GLI also surveyed its membership to obtain feedback on federal policy issues.  You can view the full agenda here.

“The agenda includes issues for businesses of all sizes and industries,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, Chief Operating Officer, “Our committees take a holistic look at the region’s business ecosystem to ensure we are addressing the most timely and pertinent issues.”

Dozens of business leaders from across the Greater Louisville region will be embarking to Washington on June 22nd and 23rd for GLI’s 2016 DC Fly-In.