St. Louis RCGA Legislative Agenda
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2010 ST. LOUIS RCGA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
MISSION STATEMENT
The RCGA Legislative Agenda is formulated each year in pursuit of our mission, which is to develop and sustain a world-class economy and community for the St. Louis region. As such, it reflects the broad business interests of our large and diverse membership.
INVESTING IN INNOVATION AND CAPITAL FORMATION
PROMOTING AN ADVANTAGEOUS AND PRO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CLIMATE
LEVERAGING REGIONAL ASSETS
STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
INVESTING IN INNOVATION AND CAPITAL FORMATION
The RCGA supports implementation of coordinated policies and programs for technology-based economic development and creation of stable and sustainable sources of funding for scientific research, innovation and investment in high-growth industries. We also support capitalizing on existing resources to strengthen our competitive advantages and bolster the regional economy.
"Grow Me State" Initiative
To help reduce Missouri's "capital formation gap" relative to other states, the RCGA supports passage of a Proof of Concept forgivable loan fund to assist advanced technology companies in transferring research into commercially viable products, a Seed Capital Co-Investment Fund to make investments in promising, entrepreneurial technology companies, and an Angel Tax Credit to spur private investment in early stage companies. We also support increased funding for the Missouri Technology Corporation to assist companies with intellectual property issues and business development. Encourage state pension funds to establish policies for local private equity investments and economically targeted investments.
Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA)
Support the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act to provide a predictable, stable source of funding for building the entrepreneurial infrastructure necessary to support the growth of science and innovation companies in Missouri.
Life Sciences Research Trust Fund
Support full funding of Missouri's Life Sciences Research Trust Fund and oppose the diversion of funds to other purposes. Oppose limitations on the types of research that may be funded by the Life Sciences Research Board.
Innovation Centers
Increase funding for the Center for Emerging Technologies, the SIU-Edwardsville Entrepreneurship Center and the Innovation Challenge Grant program in Illinois.
Research and Development Tax Credit
Support restoration and funding of Missouri's research and development tax credit.
Stem Cell Research
Preserve the protections enacted in the Missouri Constitution in 2006 for all types of stem cell research, therapies and cures allowed under federal law.
PROMOTING AN ADVANTAGEOUS AND PRO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CLIMATE
Economic Development Tax Credits
In an environment where state general revenues are challenged by the national recession, the RCGA will aggressively support and protect proven tax credit programs that stimulate employment and leverage private investment. We will strongly oppose all efforts to reduce the effectiveness of such programs, including proposals to subject them to the annual appropriations process.
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth
Encourage responsible stewardship of state finances and a balanced state budget without placing undue tax burdens on the business community or unduly reducing the effectiveness of essential state programs. Support prudent borrowing for urgent capital improvements and economic development needs.
Employment Law
Support legislation in Missouri to strengthen laws to protect employers relative to causation, individual liability, damage caps, and "whistleblower" protection. Support the standard of "motivating factor" for termination lawsuits. Limit the liability of middle-managers and set reasonable damage caps. Require evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the employer or a showing of an unlawful act relative to "whistleblower" cases.
Small Business
Provide direct assistance to small businesses with high-growth potential, including: grants for professional services, mentoring and training through the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), greater access to low-interest loans for start-ups and expansion capital or state matching-grants for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Encourage greater access to markets for minority and women business enterprises in the public and private sectors. Continue support for health care policies that help small business owners reduce their healthcare costs.
Energy & the Environment
Support balanced and reasonable national climate change policies that are equitable to all regions and industries, encourage innovation and economic growth, and achieve sustainable environmental benefits. Oppose policies that would unduly raise energy costs for businesses or jeopardize the creation of jobs in the St. Louis region. Support incentives and funding for the development of clean energy technologies (e.g. FutureGen), as well as the advancement of renewable and alternative energy sources (e.g. ethanol research and biofuels). Support appropriate funding to maintain effective state environmental programs, without unduly taxing businesses.
Health Care
Support adequate funding of state health care programs and enhanced use of available federal funds to reduce the number of uninsured. Oppose shifting of the cost of the uninsured to businesses. Assure full, affordable and comprehensive access to health insurance, as well as informed choice of doctors, hospitals and insurance plans. Ensure adequate and timely Medicaid reimbursement to providers. Oppose health insurance mandates that undermine the ability of employers to provide high-quality health insurance at a reasonable cost. Support certificate of need regulations that ensure a level-playing field between hospital and specialty providers. Support programs to encourage healthy behavior.
Arts and Tourism
Support and encourage tourism as one of the most significant industries in our region. Support funding for the arts and cultural institutions to maintain a high quality of life in the region.
LEVERAGING REGIONAL ASSETS
Mississippi River Bridge
Ensure timely completion of the New Mississippi River Bridge and related highway improvements.
Illinois Capital Bill and Infrastructure Improvements
Encourage funding for key downstate projects to be priority parts of "Phase 1" of capital bill funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation and Capital Development Board. Ensure allocated appropriations for capital improvement projects in Southwestern Illinois stay on track. Support the region's listed projects in the Illinois Department of Transportation Highway Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2009-2014. Support increased funding for public transportation in Madison and St. Clair counties.
Transit
Support increased funding for Metro system expansion and operations, and extension of bonding terms to improve cash flow.
High-Speed Rail
Support federal and state appropriations for high-speed rail service between Chicago and St. Louis.
Logistics and Distribution
Support funding for airport improvements and infrastructure to enhance the region's logistics and distribution capabilities, with an emphasis on international cargo facilities. Support investments in infrastructure and intermodal facilities along the region's rivers to facilitate transportation of goods and enhance global competitiveness.
Missouri Transportation Funding
Actively support the work of the Missouri Transportation Alliance, a statewide business-led effort designed to educate citizens on the importance of multi-modal infrastructure and identify the most critical transportation needs. Support adequate Missouri transportation funding and a formula that reflects the economic strength and development needs of the St. Louis region. Oppose attempts to redistribute money away from St. Louis region. Maintain regional representation on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
Levee Restoration
Support urgent funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to repair levees in the St. Louis District. Support federal legislation to provide relief to residents and businesses within the region relative to unduly expensive flood insurance and development requirements and restrictions.
Riverfront Development
Support funding from the Water Resources Development Act for the Chouteau Lake District and for the St. Louis Regional Greenways Plan. Support the continued funding of the brownfield cleanup grants and economic development incentives for the River Edge Program in East St. Louis. Support action on the Arch Grounds Connector project and a revitalization program that will encourage active public use of the Arch Grounds.
Telecommunications
Support policies that encourage investment in technology infrastructure and promote customer choice. Support policies that establish minimal regulatory treatment of all providers of telecommunications and video services to enhance infrastructure investment and maximize customer benefits from competition.
Brownfield Development
Increase direct funding and tax credits for brownfield cleanup. Enact liability reform for brownfield sites to encourage their conversion to a productive use. Support increased funding for the Illinois Municipal Brownfield Redevelopment Grant program.
Scott Air Force Base
Continue strong support for the presence and effectiveness of SAFB as one of the region's and nation's most significant and strategic assets. Support federal appropriations for two additional C-40 aircraft to be used by the 932nd Airlift Command at Scott Air Force Base.
Regional Defense Industry
Support increased federal authorization and appropriations for research in defense-related businesses. Support funding for the third multi-year procurement of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA 18G Growler to prevent a shortfall in naval tactical aircraft requirements. Support increased opportunities for small and medium-sized defense contractors. Continue support for the C-17 Globemaster in foreign sales campaigns and for any potential U.S. requirements.
STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Workforce Development
Support job training funding to aid in the attraction of new businesses and the expansion and retention of existing businesses. Support increased funding for workforce training and skills development with special emphasis on advanced manufacturing, information technology and plant and life sciences. Support funding for St. Louis Community College to construct a Corporate College/Workforce Development Center specializing in quick-start and just-in-time training, industry-based certification training and pre-employment training options.
Missouri Higher Education Funding
Protect stable levels of funding during the current budget shortfall, while supporting the next installment of the agreed upon increase of 4.4% in the core budget when revenues allow.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Secure funding for the Benton-Stadler science building and support the final $1.9 million adjustment to address system-wide equity issues. Support the capital requests for new facilities at the Colleges of Nursing and Optometry. Support a plan to provide consistent funding for campus capital improvements.
Regional Community Colleges
Support capital funding for construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and equipment as well as development of new campuses and centers. Support the federal initiative to provide $9 billion over ten years to community colleges to develop and improve education and retraining programs, fund on-line courses and a facilities loan fund.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Support continued funding of the School of Pharmacy, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, and Southwestern Illinois Advanced Manufacturing Center.
"Caring for Missourians"
Support continued funding for "Caring for Missourians," an initiative for Missouri's universities and community colleges to provide additional capacity for training the State's health care workforce including additional physicians, dentists, nurses and allied health providers.
Math, Science, Engineering and Technology Education
Support efforts to improve math, science, engineering and technology education in Missouri, including: streamlining the mathematics and science curricula, expanding the pool of students motivated to pursue math, science, engineering and technology careers through greater scholarship opportunities and advanced education experiences, increasing the number of educators in math, science, engineering, and technology, adding and improving technology use in the classroom, and supporting state funding for an annual METS Week program.
Early Childhood Education
Support policies that expand access to high quality, licensed childcare programs for at-risk young children. Support a statewide quality rating system for early childhood programs.
St. Louis Public Schools
Support stability in the governance of the St. Louis Public Schools and the work of the Special Administrative School Board. Support legislation granting the sponsorship authority for new charter schools to the Mayor of St. Louis.
