The IACI Board of Directors adopted the 2010 Priorities at its meeting of the Board on June 15, 2009. The IACI Legislative Committee convenes every Tuesday during the 2010 Legislative Session at 10:00 am, and all IACI members may attend.
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX:
The personal property tax applies to business machinery, tools, furnishings, equipment and some fixtures. It is one of the most difficult to administer and comply with for government and business alike. It is a barrier to economic development, and studies indicate that the elimination of the tax not only benefits business, but will increase the personal income of Idaho citizens.
TRANSPORTATION:
IACI supports a diverse mix of transportation measures that increase safety, support economic growth, reduce congestion and increase efficiency in the movement of goods and people. Transportation funding should first utilize existing funding mechanisms. If a clear need exists, additional revenue and new alternative funding sources should be carefully considered and must not be in conflict with other IACI policies. Transportation agencies must be accountable, use innovative processes that lower costs, reduce delivery time, and maximize return on investments.
HEALTH CARE:
IACI supports medically necessary, affordable, quality health care through innovation, choice and competition in the marketplace. IACI supports reasonable ways to increase the availability of health care coverage and reduce costs for both employers and employees while minimizing mandates, complexity and litigation.
EDUCATION / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT:
Idaho invests considerable resources into an education system from kindergarten through post-secondary education at colleges, universities and workforce training programs. Idaho’s business community has a vital interest in an education system that results in an educated workforce, enabling Idaho’s citizens to have a lifetime of learning, productivity, and economic opportunity. Productive, well-trained Idahoans enhance the state’s economic vitality. Business has a stake not only in the process and delivery of education services, but in the quality of the students, faculty, and administration participating in Idaho’s education system. IACI supports cost-effective, innovative strategies to strengthen Idaho’s education system
ENERGY:
IACI supports a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages energy efficiency and promotes the cost-effective and reliable production, transmission and delivery of energy to meet the state’s energy needs, which is essential to the long-term health of Idaho's economy and the prosperity of Idaho's businesses and citizens.
PROJECT 60:
Project 60 is the Governor’s initiative to grow the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) to $60 billion a year. IACI supports this effort to expand current businesses and attract new businesses to the state through a diverse set of ideas including, but not limited to, fewer taxes, improved infrastructure, less regulation, and better education opportunities.