Tuesday the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s business leader, announced its priorities for the 2016 General Legislative Session. Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, presented the 2016 Public Policy Guide to Governor Gary Herbert, Senate President Wayne Niederhauser and Speaker Greg Hughes.
“The business community is invaluable to the legislative process,” remarked Senate President Wayne Neiderhauser. “Legislators need to understand the economic impact of their decisions and the Salt Lake Chamber provides a key perspective that informs the overall debate.”
Speaker Greg Hughes shared a similar sentiment. “By representing the needs of the business community at large, the Salt Lake Chamber helps lawmakers to develop better legislation. Although I serve as Speaker of the House, I’m also a business owner. I appreciate the Chamber’s efforts to bring the business community together on key issues facing our state.”
In speaking of specific priorities, Beattie said, “Among our most pressing challenges are meeting employers’ workforce needs, mounting pressures on our existing business climate and important decisions on core capital investments.” We must also modernize our tax structure and make strategic investments in future employees, improve our air quality, find better ways of serving our homeless population and ensure that we make informed decisions to address our water future.”
“When the business community speaks, elected officials should listen,” said Governor Herbert who also shared his concern regarding investment in future employees. “In the 21st Century, a dynamic economy requires an educated population,” said Gov. Herbert. “Education drives innovation, attracts employers looking to fill high-skilled jobs and provides for a higher quality of life.”
Concluding the press conference, Beattie shared, “The path we choose to take in addressing these challenges and opportunities will either stall or accelerate Utah’s current economic momentum. As Utah’s business leader, the Salt Lake Chamber believes this is the time to build on our state’s industrious workforce, entrepreneurial spirit and innovative talents.”
For more information regarding the 2016 Public Policy Guide, please visit slchamber.com
