Alaska Chamber members deliver 2014 priorities to lawmakers

Anchorage, AK – Nearly 100 Alaska State Chamber of Commerce members gathered in Juneau for the annual Legislative Fly-In. The two-day event provided Chamber members the opportunity to review and convey their 2014 legislative priorities to elected officials.

“The Alaska Chamber has never spoken with a stronger voice. Record setting attendance and the reception from lawmakers across both isles is a clear indication of the momentum,” said Alaska Chamber Chair Brad Osborne.

Board Member, Mary Ann Pease of Anchorage added “This Fly-In was a great opportunity with energy and focus, and I think we continue to gain creditability as the Alaska Chamber here in Juneau – and that’s extremely important.”

The five top priorities deemed most important by membership for 2014 include: Oppose Ballot Measure 1 Repealing New Oil Tax Reform; Support Comprehensive Workers' Compensation Reform; Support Medicaid Expansion Provided Federal Match Maintained and/or Alternative Pilot Program Implemented; Reduce the High Cost of Energy; and Increase Responsible Natural Resource Development by Improving the Efficiencies of the Permitting Process and Gaining Access to Resources. The priorities and positions were selected at the annual Legislative Policy Forum.

The purpose of the policy forum is to establish legislative priorities of the organization for the upcoming year based on proposals submitted by the general membership of the Alaska Chamber. A complete list of the 2014 priorities and positions are available on the Alaska Chamber website under “Advocacy.”

The Fly-In itinerary also included a presentation on a web tool that tracks the performance of legislators (POL Tracker), a legislative leadership luncheon, a legislative reception, a Point Thomson update, a redistricting presentation and a reception with Governor Parnell and his Administration at his residence.

About the Alaska Chamber
Since 1952, the Alaska Chamber has worked to promote a positive business environment in Alaska. A private, non-profit corporation, the Chamber is the voice of small and large business across the state with a Board of Directors comprised of 80 members representing all regions of the state. For more information, go to alaskachamber.com