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    2022 Legislative Priorities 

    The Chamber’s Board of Directors presents the following 2022 Legislative Priorities to inform our members about the issues the Chamber will be monitoring and advocating for in 2022. It should be noted that this list is not all-inclusive, and may be modified during the year.  
     

  • Economic & Business Development

    Economic development and business thrive where regional collaboration is strong, regulatory and tax burdens are minimal, right-to-work laws that protect our citizens remain in place and where wages are comparatively based. Businesses locate and expand in areas where these factors exist:

    The Chamber Supports:

    • The ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution

    • Legislation that strengthens Florida’s local governments, economic development, and tourism agencies

    • Adequate funding for Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida • Phased initiatives to reduce the tax burden on commercial real estate leases

    • The funding request Moffitt Cancer Centers—Pasco County Project

    • Legislation that would limit the liability of businesses, Health Care Facilities, and providers from COVID-19 lawsuit

    • Policies that support keeping the Tampa Bay Rays in Tampa Bay Region

    • Recognizing community quality of life as an economic development driver

    • Revenue generation opportunities to offset tax losses due to COVID-19 growth and development

    • Ensuring equal opportunity to career paths that lead to jobs, and workforce initiative that creates a more equitable talent marketplace and strengthens the American Economy

    • Additional state and federal funds to assist in efforts to combat COVID-19, including adequate flexibilities to enable efficient use by states, localities and partner organizations.

  • Transportation 

    Transportation is a core service of government that is critical for economic development and facilitating the efficient delivery of goods and services. Having sufficient transportation funding is needed to implement a robust and connected transportation network in Tampa Bay.

    The Chamber Supports:

    • Advocating for transit projects as a region.

    • Protecting the State Transportation Trust Fund.

    • The ability of local jurisdictions to secure funding via referenda to provide adequate transit options for its citizens.

    • New and innovative transportation and mobility options.

  • Education& Workforce Development

    The business community must partner with stakeholders and policymakers to advocate for adequate resources to help recruit, develop and retain talent in Tampa Bay. Plans must be in place today to market and train the workforce of tomorrow.

    The Chamber Supports:

    • Including industry certification and skills training in school and district grade calculations as an additional student success measure

    • Support innovation, legislation, and funding to provide affordable housing opportunities

    • Attainable housing that improves workforce satisfaction, quality of life, and ensures a vibrant, thriving community.

    • Policies and budget prioritization that facilitate the development of, and access to, workforce housing.

    • Support the funding request for Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC)

    • Regional workforce development initiative that builds diverse talent and is inclusive of groups of people that have been traditionally disenfranchised such as minority and LGBT+ Population

    • The facilitation of minority business programing

    • Bridging the digital divide

    • Targeted plans that create a skilled pipeline of talent to support and sustain Tampa Bay’s ongoing economic development activities

    • Support the infrastructure necessary for health care facilities to recruit and retain nurses and allied health professionals

    • Support legislation to fund and incentivize education, facilities, clinical sites, and faculty to create a pipeline of new health care professional

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