State Priorities Legislative Agenda State Priorities Federal Priorities Bossier Parish Bossier Parish Sheriff Bossier Parish Elected Officals Parish Rural Municipalities Bossier City Bossier City Elected Officials State Elected Officials Federal Elected Officials State Priorities The Bossier Chamber of Commerce has outlined these priorities for which the organization will advocate during the 2018 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. INFRASTRUCTURE Support funding for infrastructure and transportation improvements from the federal and state levels for our Northwest Louisiana municipalities to sustain and encourage economic growth, especially if an additional gas tax is levied for road and bridge improvements. Support funding for Barksdale new gate complex. Gov. John Bel Edwards has pledged $50 million for the extension of Interstate 220 into Barksdale. Ensure funding for the approved entry road project from I-220 to support Barksdale/ Global Strike Command infrastructure and transportation needs. Support flood reimbursement. Ensure individuals, municipalities and parishes of Northwest Louisiana are reimbursed for damages that occurred as the result of the last two major floods in 2015 and 2016. EDUCATION Support TOPS reform to put greater accountability on participants and consider measures to ensure the long-term viability of the program. Support the importance of higher education and LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport in North Louisiana as a healthcare provider, pipeline for future healthcare professionals and economic driver for the region. Support the empowerment of higher education institutions to be efficient, entrepreneurial, and market responsive. TAX STRUCTURE Monitor the equal pay and minimum wage bills. Monitor the inventory tax exemption changes to ensure that any changes to the inventory tax do not adversely impact local businesses or local municipalities. Support tax reform that cleans up the state budgeting process. Statutory dedications that inhibit the prioritization of state spending should be reviewed, reformed, reduced or eliminated where appropriate. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Credentialing/Certification. Allow for reciprocity of certifications from other states for military spouses. Support implementation of data-driven, competitive, economic development incentive strategies to attract and retain business that enhance and stregthen our local economy.
