State Budget – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes the State should practice fiscal discipline.

• Reduce or maintain state spending at FY15 (July 2014-June 2015) level
• Seek out efficiencies and implement priority- or performance-based budgeting throughout all levels of state government
• Establish a “BRAC-like” process for closure or realignment of government functions and agencies
• Move the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System from a defined benefit system to a defined contribution system
• Funding decisions should be at the sole discretion of the legislature and not the court system
• Establish Rainy Day Fund by placing State General Fund ending balance into fund
• Support outsourcing state government functions to the private sector while main- taining needed services

Taxation – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes in a fair and equitable system of taxation that promotes private sector growth and makes Kansas more competitive.

• Support continued business tax reform including reduction of the Kansas corporate income and Kansas privilege tax
• Continued support of long-term state tax structure reform including further reduc- tion/elimination of personal income tax including future tax cuts in existing statute
• Oppose increases in business taxes/fees that would negatively impact Kansas’ competitive environment
• Oppose repeal of any existing sales tax exemptions on business inputs and services

Economic Development – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes the State should invest in economic development and develop programs that result in jobs and investment.

• Support continued funding for the National Institute for Aviation Research
• Create competitive economic development incentives and making Kansas a leader in innovative research, manufacturing, and technology
• Retain and enhance tax incentives to include more flexible investment and job development tax credits with options for cash incentives

Investment-friendly Business Environment – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes a low-cost business environment is critical in order to be a competitive and attractive business destination.

• Support legislation to allow admission of evidence that shows plaintiff’s losses have been compensated from other sources such as insurance or workers compensation, known as “collateral source”
• Support legislation allowing parties to collect attorney fees as a prevailing party
• Support policies which maintain the integrity of the Employment Security Trust Fund, and accurately reflect the employer experience rating when determining contribution rates
• Encourage federal resolution to immigration reform and oppose state legislation increasing penalties or threatening the business licenses of employers
• Maintain fair labor practices by opposing unfair advantages for union organizations

Regulatory Environment – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes there must be certainty in the regulatory environment in order for business to grow and relocate in Kansas.

• Support legislation that creates a state OSHA plan
• Support legislation that eliminates/reduces the requirements of Kansas Renewable Energy Portfolio
• Support reforms in the unemployment insurance program that create a more pre- dictable employer assessment
• Prohibit State and Federal Agencies from misusing rule and regulation authority in place/lieu of policy decisions made by the legislature

Transportation – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes a strong transportation infrastructure is critical in developing and expanding commerce.

• Urge continued state financial participation in efforts to continue low-cost air service from Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport
• Ensure dedicated transportation funding streams only be used for the transportation program
• Support the current comprehensive state transportation program

Environmental Resources – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes environmental management must take a balanced and reasonable approach that protects the environment without putting unnecessary burdens on business.

• Support on-going funding for existing Equus Beds Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project

Education and Workforce Development – The Wichita Metro Chamber believes a strong education system is vital in workforce and talent development.

• Support continued funding for the National Center for Aviation Training as part of on-going workforce development critical to the aviation manufacturing cluster
• Support a funding formula for K-12 schools that protects the high urban poverty weighting and the current at-risk formula
• Encourage the Legislature to allow local school districts to have more flexibility in how state dollars are spent within their school district
• Support growing the Kansas economy through applied research and private-public partnerships, like university/business innovation programs, at all higher education institutions
• Support career and technical education programs, including the Governor’s Career and Technical Education Initiative, to ensure an abundant and skilled workforce
• Oppose any language or budget proviso that interferes with the Postsecondary Tiered Technical State Aid Cost Model
• Support an increased focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning initiatives