Business Issues
2009 Policy Recommendations
Provided are the 2009 policy recommendations (click to read) of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Most of these policies focus on building a better West Virginia by enacting legal reforms and business tax relief, offering more health insurance options for businesses, creating incentives to grow small businesses and spur start-up ventures, opposing anti-employer union bills and changing unfair, out-of-step laws that have eroded the state’s ability to preserve and grow job opportunities.
2009 Key Issues -- Click to read an overview of key issues for 2009
Business Advocacy
The West Virginia Chamber's business advocacy and issues program works with business leaders throughout the state to promote key business policy matters and to support job retention and creation. The Chamber is the business community's voice in the halls of government for policies and laws that promote business enterprise. The organization also serves as the best insurance against laws and regulations that stifle business profitability. Member companies are kept informed on legislative matters that impact business, are directed in helping to make positions known to legislators and are involved in shaping the business agenda.
CALL TO ACTION
- Oppose Employee Free Choice Act -- Click here to get information about contacting West Virginia's U.S. Senators.
- Oppose Climate Change/Cap-and-Trade Bill - Contact members of the U.S. Senate to share your concerns about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.
Successes
Among the victories over the past few years of the West Virginia Chamber and its members have been the enactment of major reforms to and privatization of the state's Workers’ Compensation system, reduction in business taxes, passage of several insurance and tort-reform measures, a solution to the state's medical malpractice crisis, creation of added health insurance options, stoppage of onerous labor-backed measures (captive communications, mandatory overtime prohibitions) and tax relief for the technology services industry.