Representatives of the local, state and national chambers of commerce outlined their legislative priorities at an eye opener breakfast Tuesday morning at the Bruce Convention Center.
Kelli Pendleton is the President and CEO of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce and listed supporting Fort Campbell, improving infrastructure and education as priorities.
The local chamber also wants tax reform that would eliminate the state income tax.
Meanwhile, Dave Adkisson is the President of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and listed infrastructure, legalization of sports wagering, modernizing unemployment insurance and tax reform among his priorities for the 2019 session of the General Assembly.
He says all of their priorities will be put on the back burner if the Kentucky Supreme Court strikes down pension reform legislation approved during this year’s session.
Kevin Courtois is the manager for the U.S. Chamber’s Great Lakes Regional Office and says infrastructure and immigration are two topics he believes a Democratic House and Republican Senate can compromise on if they are willing.
All three mentioned the possibility of increases to the state and federal fuel tax as a way to shore up infrastructure. Courtois wants a 25-cent increase to the gas tax phased in over the next five years.