Chambers outline legislative priorities in virtual series

The local, state and national chambers of commerce discussed legislative priorities for 2021 in a Christian County Chamber of Commerce virtual series Tuesday morning.

Chamber President Kelli Pendleton listed elimination of the state income tax, broadband expansion, investment in early education and transportation funding—including upgrades on the Pennyrile Parkway—as local priorities.

Ashli Watts is the president and CEO of the state chamber and their priorities include modernizing the state’s unemployment system, criminal justice reform that presents more treatment options to addicts, legislation supporting racetracks that have historical gaming and tax reform that gives local governments more options for items such as a restaurant tax.

State Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County says an early priority in the General Assembly for Republicans will be placing checks and balances on a governor’s authority during a declared state of emergency—placing criticism on Governor Andy Beshear’s pandemic mandates.

Kevin Courtois with the U.S. Chamber wants another COVID relief bill to protect businesses from COVID-related liability and to provide more financial assistance to small businesses—though he’s not confident it will happen before the end of 2020.

Watts says COVID liability for Kentucky businesses will also be a priority for the state chamber in next year’s session of the General Assembly, which begins January 4.