News
November 10, 2017Federal Advocacy
During the last several weeks, your advocacy team has been in constant contact with our Congressional Delegation to ensure that they are fully aware of the Chamber’s position on several pressing issues. This includes;
Tax Reform: While the Chamber has not taken a position on specific provisions being considered by Congress at this time, we have encouraged Congress to take this opportunity to enact a comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform bill. Their focus most be on job creation and wage growth.
NAFTA: The Chamber supports the modernization and continuation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Annually, $1.3 trillion is traded between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In New York State alone, over 318,000 jobs are supported by trade with Canada and Mexico and are attributed to NAFTA. During negotiations, the Chamber has insisted that the priority must first be “do no harm.”
HIT: Unless Congress acts to delay it, the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Tax (HIT) will go into effect in January 2018. The HIT would be imposed on fully-insured health insurance plans, the Medicare Advantage Plan and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. If not delayed, the HIT will raise an estimated $14.3 billion, with much of the cost being passed on to consumers and small businesses in the form of higher premiums. The Chamber has urged Congress to act in a bipartisan manner to delay this burdensome tax.
Federal Research Funding: The Chamber has requested Congress to increase spending and continue its investment in research. Federal funding of scientific research is critical if the United States is to remain competitive. This funding leads to innovations, new products and new jobs. If we are to remain a research leader, Congress must provide the much-needed funds.
Because of you our voice remains strong in Washington.
