Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Baltimore County Chamber Unveils 2009 Legislative Agenda
The Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2009 Legislative Agenda today at the Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills. The Agenda stresses fiscal responsibility, eco-business, education, workforce development, health, and transportation.
“Being fiscally responsible and adopting an eco-business strategy are in step with one another,” said Roland O. Campbell Jr., President and CEO of The ROC Realty Group and Chairman of the Baltimore County Chamber. “If one is fiscally responsible, they are able to manage resources wisely, plan for the future and avoid debt. A green business is built on these principals, and it operates in a way that solves rather than cause environmental and social problems.”
In addition to fiscal responsibility and eco-business, the Baltimore County Chamber’s agenda focuses on education, workforce development, health, and transportation. To view the complete agenda, click here (pdf).
A number of Baltimore County legislators were in attendance, including the entire District 11 delegation. Sen. Bobby Zirkin (D-Dist. 11) warned the business people in attendance to remain vigilant regarding the expansion of Maryland’s sales tax to professional services.
“I would caution this chamber and anyone that is concerned about our economy. Moving to a system where we tax services is a very bad approach. It has not been thought out,” Zirkin said. “I don’t think we’ll see it this session or next, but that’s something I think the Chamber has got to be vigilant about. That discussion will rear it’s head again.”
Here is a brief video of Baltimore County Chamber President/CEO Keith Scott talking about the Baltimore County Chamber’s Legislative Agenda:
