OUR FUTURE STARTS NOW - Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

OUR FUTURE STARTS NOW
2016 LEGISL ATIVE AGENDA
WE OWN OUR FUTURE
It is up to us as a community to have the passion
and perseverance to strive for excellence. Creating
a strong economy relies on bold thinking, solid
collaborations, and relentless execution bolstered by
innovative public policy. The decisions made at the
City Council table, in the chambers of the Statehouse,
and the halls of Congress have a direct impact on the
ability for businesses to grow, produce great jobs and
create prosperity.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc.’s legislative priorities
are directly related to the region’s “Road to One
Million” plan to grow the Northeast Indiana population
from 789,015 to 1,000,000 by 2031.
Population stagnation leads to a reduction in our
labor force and slow growth in our gross domestic
product and wages. We will work aggressively to
advocate for public policy that will give our community
increased flexibility to direct its own future.
Our year-round advocacy and public policy efforts
are focused on five areas that will provide the best
environment to push the momentum forward.
The 2016 Legislative Agenda presents GFW Inc.’s
broad policy position statements as well as our key
legislative priorities. In addition, we will use the
agenda to take positions on issues that arise
throughout the year.
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BY FOCUSING ON
Economic
Development
Transportation
& Infrastructure
Education & Workforce
Development
Entrepreneurs & Business
Development
Government
Efficiency
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Pl ac
Advance
of
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St ate
Grow
GDP
Lo
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TO
Popu
Inspire
Q ua
l it
y
THE ROAD TO ONE MILLION
$60.5
$30.9
$39.9
.7%
POPULATION
2.1%
GROWTH IN POPULATION ADVANCES
THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
AND INCREASES WAGES
2015 2031 2067
(BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH %)
REAL GDP IN BILLIONS
1 Million
(BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH %)
2.1%
.7%
36 years of difference
with stagnant growth
$23.6
2031
2067
If our population growth approximated best-in-class regions, growing at
2.1 percent per year, our region would grow to 1,000,000 people by 2031.
$19.8
.7%
2015
$15.0
2.1%
Current Population 789,015
2015 2031 2067
TOTAL WAGES IN BILLIONS
(BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH %)
2016 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Local
State
Federal
Support the advancement of the
Downtown Arena, Riverfront
Promenade, and Columbia
Street developments to build
best-in-class amenities to attract
and retain talent and business.
Increase funding for the Regional
Cities Initiative to $160 million.
Support the repeal of the
Medical Device Tax.
Support a penny tax (1% county
sales tax) for community approved
Regional Cities projects through a
local voter referendum generating
$24 million per year.
Support a federal highway
funding bill that is equitable
to Indiana.
Support adopting a .05% CEDIT
generating $4 million per year to
support the Road to One
Million Plan.
Support ordinances that require
more efficient and effective
permitting improvements in Fort
Wayne and Allen County.
Support the ability for Certified
Tech Parks to provide resources
for entrepreneurs and startup
companies by increasing the
$5 million dollar TIF fund cap.
Maintain economic development
tools and innovative programs
such as Enterprise Zones, CReD,
TIF, and Tax Phase-Ins to increase
economic growth and prosperity.
Reduce regulatory burdens
on community banks and
credit unions.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GFW Inc. is focused on attracting new business to our community, helping our existing businesses grow
and prosper and creating best-in-class amenities to attract and retain talent. We encourage creative
uses of resources to improve quality of place, maintain infrastructure and provide an environment for
businesses to succeed.
Support adopting a .05% CEDIT generating
$4 million per year to support the Road to One
Million Plan.
Increase funding for the Regional Cities
Initiative to $160 million.
Support the advancement of the Downtown
Arena, Riverfront Promenade, and Columbia Street
developments to build best-in-class amenities to
attract and retain talent and business.
Support infrastructure investment for economic
development purposes to achieve developmentready sites.
Support changing the definition of full-time
employment to 40 hours in the Affordable
Care Act.
Co
l
TO
Attract
BUSINESS
Create
TO
BETTER
W
it y
TALENT
un
bia
um
nade
Attract
s
P
me
TO
Job
R i ve r f ro nt
Quality
OF PLACE
ro
Support the repeal of the Medical Device Tax.
n tow n A re n
S t re et
ow
Support increasing the Venture Capital Tax Credit
cap and allow for transferability.
a
D
Maintain economic development tools and
innovative programs such as Enterprise Zones,
CReD, TIF, and Tax Phase-Ins to increase
economic growth and prosperity.
Create an opportunity for the community to steer
our own future by creating the ability, through
a local referendum, for a penny tax (1% county
sales tax) generating $24 million for community
approved Regional Cities projects.
ages Com
m
TRANSPORTATION &
INFRASTRUCTURE
Our airports, highways, railways, public transportation, trails, and infrastructure are the core
of our economic strengths. In order to live up to our reputation as a city at the crossroads
of America, we have to employ innovative concepts to traditional problems.
GFW Inc. supports transportation projects and polices that reflect the
needs of our region and will strengthen the ability to do business.
Support the continued study of a passenger
rail line with service out of Fort Wayne.
Support
To
it y
PROJECTS
Im
p ro
ve C o n n e
ct
iv
Support additional state and federal funding to
enhance and expand air service and facilities
at Fort Wayne International Airport.
Support the collaboration between the Guard
Base and the Fort Wayne International Airport.
Support the accelerated timeframe for
conversion to the F-16 at the Guard Base.
Support projects identified in collaboration
with our regional partners, such as converting
U.S. 30 to a limited access freeway, to
improve connectivity in Northeast Indiana.
Support federal highway funding that is
equitable to Indiana.
ENTREPRENEURS &
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Entrepreneurs are the core driver of new, emerging growth businesses. This is the
basis for a growing economy in which businesses can become national industry
leaders. GFW Inc. supports programs that promote entrepreneurship, accelerate
the growth of innovative business, enhance the development of early stage
industries, and create critical pathways to follow-up funding.
Support a consistent tax phase-in process
that accommodates the uniqueness of
shell buildings.
Support the creation of development-ready
business and industrial sites.
ou
es
es
iv
Support the reauthorization of the ExportImport Bank that help Indiana businesses
compete globally.
START-UPS
nt
Support the ability for Certified Tech Parks
to provide resources for entrepreneurs and
startup companies by increasing the
$5 million dollar TIF fund cap.
Support
I n ce
Support creating accelerator and co-working
spaces downtown that offers incentives,
space, and resources to start a business.
rc e s
Strengthen state and local resources to
support a robust entrepreneurial support
system in Allen County.
Wo r
k S p ace
R
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
Businesses depend on a qualified workforce with the knowledge and skills needed for today’s
high-tech jobs. GFW Inc. supports education and workforce policies that prepares students
to be college or career-ready, provides advance training for current employees,
and promotes collaboration among educational institutions and business.
c
at
eS
lt s
Ad u
TRAINING
nd
u
To Ed
Support
Support our community educational institutions
from pre-K to post-secondary as they strive for
educational excellence.
tu d e nt s
a
TO
Support unique STEM educational opportunities,
allowing students to connect school room
education to real world applications.
sG
Fi
l
il l
And
WAGES
ap
Support innovative education efforts to address
the growing skills gap in today’s workforce.
Increase
la
Maintain Skills Enhancement Fund appropriation
for small business.
G ro w i n g S
k
GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY
Government must minimize regulations to create an environment of growth and transformation.
GFW Inc. will continue to collaborate with our government officials at all levels of government
to move our community forward.
Support ordinances that require more efficient and effective
permitting improvements in Fort Wayne and Allen County.
Encourage efforts to diversify the key revenue sources
financing local government in Allen County, and support
creation of legislation to expand voluntary efficiencies
for local government units.
Support tax reform that fixes an overly
complex tax code.
Support
TAX REFORM
To
S im
es
Reduce federal regulatory burdens
on community banks and credit unions.
o
p l i f y Ta x C
d
2015 LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS
GFW Inc. worked closely with community partners and our Northeast Indiana
legislative delegation to move our community forward. Our top 2015 legislative
successes included:
Supported the creation and funding of the Regional Cities Initiative at $84 million.
GFW Inc. along with the Regional Partnership, spearheaded the local process to
apply for the Regional Cities initiative.
Supported extending the sunset date for the Venture Capital Investment tax credit.
Supported two solutions to expand economic development opportunities that will
help move projects forward in downtown Fort Wayne.
Opposed language to eliminate Enterprise Zone deductions.
Supported Historic Preservation Tax Credit switch to a grant program and
increased funding to $1.2 million each year.
Supported a different metropolitan classification and increased funding for IPFW.
Worked with the four area public school superintendents to highlight the importance
of our strong educational institutions, collaboration between the school corporations
and the business community, and the need to adequately fund education.
HOW A STATE BILL BECOMES LAW
2
3
(House of Origin)
ASSIGNED TO A
COMMITTEE
HEARD IN
COMMITTEE
4
RETURNS TO
THE FLOOR FOR
AMENDMENTS
5
AMENDED AND
ENGROSSED
6
7
2nd HOUSE
1st HOUSE
1
INTRODUCED IN
HOUSE OR SENATE
8
INTRODUCED IN
SECOND HOUSE
9
ASSIGNED TO A
COMMITTEE
10
HEARD IN
COMMITTEE
11
RETURNS TO
THE FLOOR FOR
AMENDMENTS
12
AMENDED AND
ENGROSSED
13
PASSES ON
THIRD READING
14
PASSES ON
THIRD READING
REPEATS THE PROCESS
IN SECOND HOUSE
(House or Senate)
IF ALL OF THESE STEPS
DO NOT OCCUR — BILL DIES
IF BILL COMPLETES PROCESS
IN SECOND HOUSE, PROCEED
TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
FLOWCHART
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
FLOWCHART
NO
BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR’S
DESK TO BECOME LAW
Did a Majority of The House
of Origin Vote to Adopt The
Concurrence?
YES
NO
Was The Bill
Amended in the
second house?
YES
YES
HOW A CITY
COUNCIL BILL
BECOMES A LAW
Did The Author
Concur on The
Amendments?
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
Did a Majority of
Both Houses Vote to
Adopt The Report?
YES
NO
BILL “DIES”
Was The Conference
Committee Report Signed
by All Four Conferees?
A Bill that has been introduced is
given its Second Reading during the
Council’s Committee meeting the
following week, where it is discussed
and given one of the following
preliminary actions: Do Pass,
Do Not Pass, No Recommendation,
Held or Tabled.
A bill with a Do Pass, Do Not Pass,
or No Recommendation action
moves to Regular Session either that
Tuesday, the following Tuesday, or as
designated, where it receives its Third
Reading and is given Final Action.
1. A dissent is filed and adopted in the House of Origin.
2. Conferees and advisors are assigned from House and Senate Caucuses.
3. Conference Committee meets to discuss changes made in second house.
4. Conference Committee report drafted, including agreed-upon changes.
Was The Conference
Committee Report
Passed by Both House
and Senate Rules
Committees?
The Ordinances and Resolutions are
formally introduced with First Reading
on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays during
City Council’s Regular Session; those
Bills move into Committees for
further discussion.
Bills that have been given Final Action
by City Council will either go to the
Mayor for signature, or “die.”
A vetoed Bill must receive at least six
votes by City Council to be overridden.
A Held or Tabled Bill returns for
Committee Session discussion
when specified by the Council.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Working for Your Business
A healthy business environment is essential to advance our
community, and GFW Inc. builds relationships and advocates
for public policy that supports business of all sizes, across
all industries.
Stay Connected
Get updates on issues that impact your business by subscribing
to the GFW Inc. weekly e-newsletter, GovConnect.
Local Contacts
Allen County Commissioners
260 449-7555
Citizens Square, Suite 410
200 East Berry Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Linda Bloom – 3rd District
linda.bloom@allencounty.us
Therese Brown – 2nd District
therese.brown@co.allenin.us
Nelson Peters – 1st District
nelson.peters@allencounty.us
Allen County Council
Meet and interact with elected officials by attending GFW Inc.
Advocacy events.
260 449-7233
Rousseau Centre, Suite 102
1 East Main Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Take Action
Robert Armstrong – At-Large
bob.armstrong@allencounty.us
Get Involved
Contact your elected official on issues that affect your business.
Melissa Beber
Director of Business Advocacy
mbeber@greaterfortwayneinc.com
Joel Benz – 3rd District
joel.benz@allencounty.us
Bill Brown – At-Large
billbrowncc@gmail.com
Larry Brown – 4th District
l.brown@advmechanical.com
Roy Buskirk – At-Large
rabuskirk@frontier.com
Tom Harris – 2nd District
tom.harris@allencounty.us
Sharon Tucker – 1st District
sharon.tucker@allencounty.us
State Contacts
City Council
Jason Arp – 4th District
jasonarp99@gmail.com
Michael Barranda – At-Large
michaelbarranda@gmail.com
Senator Jim Banks
District 17, Columbia City
Senator.Banks@iga.in.gov
Senator Liz Brown
District 15, Fort Wayne
Senator.Brown@iga.in.gov
Senator Sue Glick
District 13, LaGrange
Senator.Glick@iga.in.gov
Senator Travis Holdman
District 19, Markle
Senator.Holdman@iga.in.gov
Senator Dennis Kruse
Dr. John Crawford – At-Large
jncrawfordmd@gmail.com
District 14, Auburn
Senator.Kruse@iga.in.gov
Tom Didier – 3rd District
tdidiers5@frontier.com
Senator David Long
Paul Ensley – 1st District
Tom Freistroffer – At-Large
Glynn Hines – 6th District
glynnhines@aol.com
Russ Jehl – 2nd District
russ@russjehl.com
Representative
Martin Carbaugh
District 81, Fort Wayne
h81@iga.in.gov
Representative Casey Cox
District 85, New Haven
h85@iga.in.gov
District 80, Fort Wayne
h80@iga.in.gov
District 83, Fort Wayne
h83@iga.in.gov
230 426-3151
1300 S. Harrison St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Representative Matt Lehman
Senator Joe Donnelly
District 79, Berne
h79@iga.in.gov
Representative Dan Leonard
District 50, Huntington
h50@iga.in.gov
Representative Bob Morris
District 84, Fort Wayne
h84@iga.in.gov
260 420-4955
203 E. Berry Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Representative
Marlin Stutzman
3rd District
260 424-3041
1300 S. Harrison St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Representative David Ober
District 82, Albion
h82@iga.in.gov
Representative Ben Smaltz
District 52, Auburn
h52@iga.in.gov
Representative David Wolkins
District 18, Winona Lake
h18@iga.in.gov
Representative
Dr. Dennis Zent
District 51, Angola
h51@iga.in.gov
To find out who
your elected officials
are at the local,
state and federal
level, visit
w.
in
w
Representative
Phil GiaQuinta
Senator Dan Coats
w
Geoff Paddock – 5th District
geoffreypaddock@aol.com
District 16, Fort Wayne
Senator.Long@iga.in.gov
Representative
Christopher Judy
ns
260 427-1111
Citizens Square, Suite 420
200 E. Berry Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Tom Henry
mayor@cityoffortwayne.org ct
io
City of Fort Wayne Mayor
Federal Contacts
.g ov/ o s /e l e
s
200 E. MAIN STREET
SUITE 800
FORT WAYNE, IN 46802
T 260 420-6945
Eadvocacy@GreaterFortWayneInc.com
WGreaterFortWayneInc.com