BIA Announces 2009 Public Policy Agenda

The New Hampshire Business and Industry Association (BIA) released their public policy agenda for 2009 this week. The state’s business tax, healthcare and energy costs, as well as the state’s future workforce are the key concerns for the group going into 2009. They plan to address their concerns with state legislators and regulators in the coming year.

“Each year, BIA develops public policy priorities based on what we hear from our members, business and opinion leaders, and local and regional chamber of commerce members across the state about top business challenges,” said Jim Roche, BIA president. 

The group has more than 400 members across the state from a variety of industries including manufacturing, professional services, financial services, health care, hospitality and tourism, public utilities, higher education, insurance and technology. Members of the BIA employ 80,000 people in the state and contribute about $4.5 billion each year to the state’s economy. 

As expected, the group reiterated their opposition to an income or sales tax. The issue has started to receive more attention as of late because of the recent economic downturn and allegations that the now Democratic majority in Concord will seek to raise taxes. 

Some of the key goals for the group in 2009 are:

• Support initiatives to improve job readiness skills; recruit and train younger workers; reduce the number of young people leaving the state; and prepare the labor force for high-demand occupations. 

• Oppose new or expanded health insurance mandates and review the cost existing mandates have on health insurance premiums. 

• Support efforts to increase federal transportation aid to the state. 

• Educate policy leaders and the public about the positive impact that an adequate public transportation system, and road and bridge network, has on the economy. 

• Support initiatives and policies that leverage regional strengths, including the development of renewable energy resources. 

• Support increasing incentives and addressing regulatory requirements for energy efficiency and the diversification of New Hampshire’s energy supply. 

Commenting on the current economic situation and about how the BIA plans on pursuing their goals, Roche said, “Right now, businesses are watching every dollar and stretching their limited resources to withstand a serious recession. Business taxes, healthcare costs and electricity rates are just a few of the many pressure points that impact a company’s ability to meet payroll. Our role, as the state’s leading business advocate, is to bring these issues and concerns to light. Policymakers play an important role in maintaining the state’s economic security. By paying attention to factors that affect a company’s competitiveness relative to other states and countries, and passing favorable economic policies, legislators can make sure New Hampshire remains an attractive place in which to do business, protect the jobs we already have here, and help grow new jobs and industry in the future.”