Issues - Legislation

  • Education Policy
    To remain competitive, businesses need employees who are prepared to meet the rapidly changing demands of the 21st century workplace. Community economic development depends on businesses' ability to compete. A quality education is critical to the success of our students, communities, and the economy.

    Today's public schools are struggling to change from the original industrial model that emerged in the 1900's. It is critical that we look forward to develop an education system that will provide our students with all of the educational tools that will help them survive in the today's global economy and information age. Everyone in the community, not just the businesses, needs to become engaged in building upon the educational standards that are now being set and achieved. Community leaders need to also be aware of the ever-changing environment and adjust accordingly so that today's students will be prepared for their future. Education should not just focus on "what will I do after high school," but must be viewed as a life-long process.

    Businesses have a critical interest in improving education in their communities and need to be part of the solution. Education reform is primarily accomplished at the state and local level. It is imperative to work to improve the quality of education and student achievement.

    The Chamber is committed to attempting to link the resources of the business community to all schools in Moore County - both public and private.
  • Energy and Environment Policy
    Energy powers our economy and our lives. Policy alone cannot overcome the energy challenges that we face as a nation. Without access to affordable and reliable supplies of energy throughout the country, U.S. businesses are forced to move elsewhere, taking U.S. jobs and the prosperity they bring to local economies with them. The more local economies suffer, the more our global competitiveness is negatively impacted.

    However, we also need to balance that supply and demand without compromising our environment. As a nation, state and local community we can reduce the environmental footprint we leave behind.

    With continuing technological innovations and efficiency, the nation's air and water are cleaner today than in previous years. What's more, with expected continued emphasis on the development and expansion green technologies and efficiencies, business will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the next 20 years by approximately 30% for each unit of gross domestic product.

    The Moore County Chamber of Commerce believes that economic growth and environmental progress are complimentary pursuits and that responsible business and environmental leaders can work together to ensure a healthy environment and economic growth.
  • Health Care Policy
    Public policy debates about health care invoke emotional responses and often contradictory data regarding cost and the quality of care. Reconciling the contradictions and finding ways to expand access to health insurance coverage, while maintaining affordable, high-quality health care is an ambitious but critically important public policy goal.

    Health care costs are climbing, on average, in the double digits from year to year. Health care costs have recently surpassed paid leave as the most expensive benefit that employers provide. As a result, small business are finding that rising costs, coupled with over-regulation, greatly hinder their ability to offer health benefits to their employees. The Chamber supports legislation that will aid in the affordability of insurance and allow employers to remain competitive in the marketplace, without negatively impacting the healthcare community.

    The Chamber believes the lack of access to affordable healthcare coverage is our highest health care-related priority and requires swift action.
  • Infrastructure Policy
    North Carolina faces many transportation challenges. A strong, properly funded transportation network in the nation is important to jobs, safety, security, environmental concerns and quality of life. Transportation funding continues to diminish. Federal, state and local governments must be proactive in evaluating transportation policy and adapting to the changing needs of our respective transportation systems.

    Transportation is only one component of an overall infrastructure that must be reviewed. Other areas to address include water, sewer, schools and government facility development. As all of these infrastructure needs tap our community, local, state, and federal governments must work cooperatively to provide necessary services at reasonable tax rates.
  • Workforce and Economic Policy
    The Chamber supports legislation that addresses the need to retain and recruit skilled and educated workers to continually replenish our workforce pool. We support legislation that narrows the gaps among business, workforce training, and education. Perhaps now more than ever, the creation of value added jobs will help the local economy and our tax base.

    The Chamber supports legislation that addresses the need to recruit skilled and educated workers to continually replenish our workforce pool. The Chamber supports legislation that narrows the gaps among business, workforce training, and education. Now is the time to acknowledge that affordable workforce housing is one of the keys to attracting and keeping a workforce that is necessary and vital for planned growth. Smarter growth management and concurrent policies are needed that allow for a balance between the environment and economic development.
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