2017 Legislative Scorecard

2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

130 YEARS AS UTAH’S BUSINESS LEADER

ABOUT THE SALT LAKE CHAMBER

The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest and longest-standing business association. A statewide chamber of commerce with members in all 29 Utah counties, the Chamber represents the broad interests of the state’s 63,000-plus employers, which employ more than 1.4 million Utahns. This includes thousands of Chamber members and their employees.

Established in 1887, the Chamber has become widely known as Utah’s Business Leader, applying the expertise and experience of its members to major issues facing the Beehive State. Through research and advocacy on local, state and federal levels, the Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.

From Congress and the Governor’s office, to legislative committee rooms and city halls across the state, the Chamber works to promote a pro-growth, business-focused agenda.

UTAH’S ECONOMY IS AMONG THE MOST DIVERSE IN THE NATION

63,000+ EMPLOYERS

1.4 MILLION JOBS

8,000+ BUSINESSES REPRESENTED IN ALL 29 COUNTIES

74

LOCAL CHAMBERS COLLABORATE TO ADVOCATE FOR UTAH’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN ALL 29 COUNTIES

DEAR BUSINESS COMMUNITY,

As we travel throughout the country, we are frequently asked, “How does Utah achieve so much economic success?” There are many ways to answer this question. We answer it in this way: Utah’s organized and united business community works closely with the Governor and legislators to see around corners, anticipate and prevent problems, and tackle tough issues.

This combination of careful planning and tenacious problem-solving keeps Utah well ahead of other states that face many of the same challenges. This legislative session was no different as we worked with the legislature to address crucial problems and effectively plan for our state’s future.

It is evident that your involvement and trust in the Chamber’s leadership ensured that the “Voice of Business” was heard loudly on Utah’s Capitol Hill. Businesses played a key role in the issues faced during this session, and many others reviewed in this document.

We’re also thrilled to share the 2017 Business Champions, who joined with us to pass nearly 90 percent of our priority legislation.

We encourage you to review this document and stay engaged to ensure Utah remains the best state for business.

Lane Beattie President & CEO

Keith McMullin Board Chair

STAND AS THE VOICE OF BUSINESS

SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS’ SUCCESS

CHAMPION COMMUNITY PROSPERITY

UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIPS PICTURED: GOVERNOR GARY R. HERBERT | HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER BRAD WILSON | CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES FROM ACROSS UTAH

SALT LAKE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC POLICY EFFORTS

We are the Voice of Business Through research and advocacy on local, state and federal levels the Salt Lake Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.

We Stand on Principle The 2017 Public Policy Guide serves as the Salt Lake Chamber’s guiding document for public policy. This is utilized by the Salt Lake Chamber’s Executive Board and senior staff to take positions on key bills and advance the interests of the business community.

We Mitigate Policy and Regulatory Risks During the 2017 Legislative Session, a record number of bills were passed, presenting unique risks to business interests and the economy at large. The Salt Lake Chamber protects business interests and advances key priorities within the nation’s shortest legislative session.

We are an Effective Advocate With so many competing interests, it is critical that business has a strong voice on Utah’s Capitol Hill. On key priority votes, nearly 90 percent of the legislature voted with the Salt Lake Chamber’s position 80 percent of the time.

Dear Fellow Utahns, The Beehive State is abuzz with economic activity. For the sixth time in seven years, Forbes Magazine has designated Utah as “The Best State for Business and Careers.” CNBC, has for the second consecutive year, named Utah the “Top State for Business.” These recognitions are important. They come because business leaders across sectors and industries collaborate with government leaders to make purposeful decisions that drive our economy.

As we know, staying at the top is oftentimes harder than getting there. National rankings are praiseworthy and underscore our state’s success. However, we must not become complacent because of national praise. Critical issues need to be addressed today. Areas requiring our attention include adequately funding our education system, modernizing our tax code and regulatory system, addressing air quality, and moving forward with a comprehensive solution for homelessness that honors and respects this vulnerable population.

There is also significant, generationally-defining work ahead. The primary motivation for Utah’s economic excellence should always be to seek improved life quality and maximized potential. As we compete in an international economy, our vision should be elevated from the national level to the global stage. Utahns can and should achieve this. Our industrious workforce, entrepreneurial spirit and innovative talents can carry us through, but we must think big.

In decades past, we have taken up the mantle of change. Our forbearers saw around the corner and planned for the prosperous future we now enjoy. Today, that burden falls upon us. We must begin sketching the economic blueprint for the next generations. In this Public Policy Guide, we call on business and civic leaders to consider the momentous and generational opportunities we have, including: Sustaining a premier business environment for a dynamic, innovative and robust economy Becoming a knowledge capital envied around the globe Investing in our future through transformative capital investments Creating a more economically mobile and vibrant state through high-paying jobs Taking advantage of our state’s comparative geographic advantages in the global economy Leveraging our unrivaled quality of life to draw talent and investment from around the world Join with us in sketching Utah’s economic blueprint by thinking boldly about our generational opportunities,

PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE 201 7

Lane Beattie

Keith McMullin

President and CEO

Board Chair As Utah’s business leader, we stand as the voice of business, we support our members’ success and we champion community prosperity.

SLCHAMBER.COM | INTRODUCTION

1

The 2017 Public Policy Guide serves as the Salt Lake Chamber’s guiding document for public policy. The business community’s principles, positions and priorities on critical issues are detailed throughout this document. From Congress and the Governor’s office, to legislative committee rooms and city halls across the state, the Chamber utilizes this guide to promote a pro-growth, business-focused agenda.

THE SALT LAKE CHAMBER IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE

LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR

REPRESENTATIVE BRAD WILSON As a business owner himself and in his first year as House Majority Leader, Rep. Wilson became the focal point of many of the business community’s top priorities and a true champion for business. As a statesman, his leadership was invaluable to many of the Chamber’s priorities including the most extensive overhaul of regulatory policy in state history, modernizing alcohol laws, a significant air quality initiative and a new performance driven model for higher-education funding.

Rep. Wilson was also a champion on economic development issues such as investing in our outdoor recreation assets and incentives for jobs creation in rural Utah. Moving forward, Rep. Wilson will be an ally to the business community to advance comprehensive tax reform and continue to put data first on key decisions before the legislature.

Legislator of the Year Award: Annually selected by the Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO, this award honors a legislator that demonstrated exceptional statesmanship in collaboration with the Salt Lake Chamber on key business community priorities.

2016 Legislator of the Year: Senator J. Stuart Adams

20 17

UNRIVALED INFLUENCE

PICTURED: WAYNE NIEDERHAUSER, PRESIDENT OF THE UTAH STATE SENATE | LANE BEATTIE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, SALT LAKE CHAMBER | GREGORY HUGHES, SPEAKER OF THE UTAH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE SALT LAKE CHAMBER’S EFFORTS DURING THE 2017 GENERAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION

7

WEEKLY “38-15-1” UPDATES TO MEMBERSHIP

250+

19

89%

250 40

BILLS TRACKED

PRIORITY VOTES 16 SUPPORT/3 OPPOSE

SUCCESS RATE OF PRIORITY VOTES

76

10

76%

BILLS SUPPORTED

250+ “ACTIONS”

BY OUR TEAM

BILLS DEFEATED

10+ OP-EDS

SUCCESS RATE OF NON-PRIORITY BILLS

450

ATTENDEES AT UTAH POLICY SUMMIT & ECONOMIC REVIEW

ATTENDEES AT LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION

CHAMBERS IN ATTENDANCE AT CHAMBER DAY ON THE HILL

7

WEEKLY PHONE CALLS WITH CHAMBERS ACROSS STATE

UNDERSTANDING UTAH’S BUDGET

The ability to adequately plan, budget, staff and measure performance has led to Utah’s current vibrant economy and enviable business climate. This ability to plan is now providing the resources necessary to invest in the state’s long-term future. During any general legislative session, the primary responsibility of Utah’s Legislators is to analyze, prioritize and produce a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year, which is then signed by the Governor. This general legislative session, lawmakers were faced with increasing needs, antiquated tax regimes and significant policy questions as it relates to the state budget.

UTAH’S BUDGET GREW TO $16 BILLION IN TOTAL FUNDS FOR FY18 SOCIAL SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION

DEBT SERVICE

34%

10%

2%

PUBLIC EDUCATION

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

CAPITAL FACILITIES

30%

7%

1%

HIGHER EDUCATION

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

12%

4%

SOURCE: UTAH LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ANALYST.

PLEASE VISIT BUDGET.UTAH.GOV FOR MORE DETAILS.

TOP-10 BUSINESS RELATED ISSUES FROM Unfinished Business: Working Toward a Tax Code for Utah’s Future With the support of the Chamber, the Legislature began the monumental effort of exploring options for tax reform, including enhancing Utah’s already competitive tax climate for businesses, modernizing the tax code for today’s economy and ensuring adequate resources to invest ahead of growth.

Cutting Costs: Historic Regulation Reform Responding to the Chamber’s “Cost of Doing Business” report, the state achieved the most extensive overhaul of regulatory policy in Utah’s history with a new executive order and legislation. Together, these ensure the costs of new regulations are better understood and steps are taken to reduce or stop them from the outset.

Solid Foundation: Prioritizing Education with a Strong Economy In support of key partners, the Chamber’s Prosperity 2020 helped draw significant attention to enhancing the state’s overall funding effort for education. This included $340 million in new funding for public and higher education powered by Utah’s strong economy.

Unprecedented Support: Caring for the Poorest Amongst Us The Chamber and Downtown Alliance have taken a proactive approach to championing statewide solutions to homelessness and affordable housing and finding a long-term strategy. The Legislature responded with $20 million in new funding to support planning and funding from communities throughout Utah for facilities, services and housing.

Common Ground: Data Drives Decisions on Non-Compete Agreements The Chamber led the effort for an exhaustive study on non-compete agreements which allowed for collaborative discussions and no additional legislation this year. This data-driven approach led to finding possible areas for common ground to preserve non-compete agreements, enhance protections for intellectual property, and limit potential abuses for low-wage earners.

THE 2017 GENERAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION Ahead of the Curve: $1 Billion Transportation Bond and Gas Tax Update The Chamber’s Utah Transportation Coalition acted as the tip of the spear to ensure we keep Utah moving. Faced with the nation’s fastest growth, the $1 billion bond accelerates key projects with existing revenue, protects the current prioritization process, and emphasizes economically significant projects.

Additionally, the Legislature took steps to ensure funding sources keep pace with economic conditions by updating 2015 reforms to the gas tax.

Significant Improvement: Good Tax Policy Meets Better Air Quality The Chamber has been a leader in finding solutions to improve Utah’s air quality.

This includes encouraging Utah refineries to switch to the production of cleanerburning Tier 3 fuels. A new tax incentive, championed by the Chamber has the potential to reduce mobile emissions by 7 to 11 percent once all local refineries agree to upgrade.

Alcohol Reform: Matching Public Safety with Modernization The Chamber has been a proponent of a balanced approach and modernization of Utah’s alcohol regulations. The Legislature built on past reform efforts with a major overhaul to give a level playing field to Utah’s dining establishments, meet market demands, enhance public safety, and discourage underage drinking. As part of this process, the Chamber secured a commitment from the Legislature to continue to find areas for refinement in the years to come.

Talent Pipeline: Ensuring Utah’s Workforce is Globally Competitive Utah’s business community is heard loud and clear that a thriving economy needs a qualified workforce. The Chamber took the lead on a number of initiatives to meet the goals of Prosperity 2020. This included expanding optional all-day kindergarten, establishing a new pathways program for Utah’s future technology workforce, a new performance funding for higher-education tied to job creation, and incentive pay for top-performing teachers at highpoverty schools.

Protecting Small Business: Stopping Increased Regulation or Costs The Chamber worked tirelessly to defeat anti-small business bills like a drastic minimum wage hike, a burdensome expansion of FMLA to smaller firms, needless litigation from altering workplace discrimination laws, and likely insurance increases from an unnecessary mandate.

LOOKING AHEAD: TOP BUSINESS ISSUES TO WATCH IN THE YEAR AHEAD Innovation, Accountability and Investment in Education The year 2020 is fast approaching and immediate efforts must be made to close the achievement gap and meet the initial goals set forth in the Prosperity 2020 plan. Business leadership has been key to elevating the dialogue on education, and it must continue it to meet our goals.

Modernizing Utah’s Tax Code Utah’s tax code is being left behind by a modern economy. Businesses need to actively engage in major efforts by our state’s elected officials to better align our tax policy and ensure the Beehive State can continue to compete well into the future.

Impact of Federal Policy Changes Sweeping tax, health care, transportation, trade and regulatory policy changes could significantly impact Utah’s economic landscape.

Understanding and managing these policy changes is critical for business and elected leaders.

Future of Transportation Policy The Legislature will be studying how to address Utah’s robust growth, geography, air quality issues, disruptive changes, new tools, governance structures, and other policy changes to keep Utah’s economy moving.

Staying at the Top While any region or state would be lucky to enjoy our success, we’re not settling in any time soon. As the builders of Utah’s dynamic economy, The Salt Lake Chamber is engaging the business community in drafting a new economic blueprint. Critical thinking, big ideas, problem-solving and determination are needed to develop a plan that will help guide our state’s long-term economic direction and competitiveness.

The Salt Lake Chamber board, committees and partners will build on current and past efforts to sketch Utah’s Next Economic Blueprint. This comprehensive effort will help guide our state’s long-term economic direction and competitiveness.

Key areas of focus include:

We invite you to dream big, think hard and engage as we sketch Utah’s Next Economic Blueprint.

Learn more about the process at slchamber.com/blueprint

2017 BUSINESS CHAMPIONS The Legislature plays a key role in preserving Utah’s pro-business climate, investing in our future and enhancing our quality of life. The Salt Lake Chamber honors legislators who support a pro-economy and pro-business agenda with the title of “Business Champion.” The designation of Business Champion is directly tied to a legislator’s voting record on Salt Lake Chamber “Priority Votes.”

This year, 93 legislators received the award for voting at least 80 percent of the time with the Chamber’s position on 19 Priority Votes.

True to our non-partisan, but politically engaged approach, members of both parties in both legislative chambers met this requirement.

19

PRIORITY VOTES 16 SUPPORT/3 OPPOSE

19

FRESHMAN RECIPIENTS

80%

VOTE PERCENT NEED TO RECEIVE AWARD

89%

OF UTAH LEGISLATURE EARNED THE AWARD

HOUSE

SENATE

67/75 (89%)

Rep. Carl Albrecht Rep. Patrice Arent Rep. Stewart Barlow Rep. Walt Brooks Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck Rep. Scott Chew Rep. LaVar Christensen Rep. Kay Christofferson Rep. Bruce Cutler Rep. Brad Daw Rep. Susan Duckworth Rep. James Dunnigan Rep. Rebecca Edwards Rep. Steve Eliason Rep. Gage Froerer Rep. Adam Gardiner Rep. Francis Gibson Rep. Keith Grover Rep. Craig Hall Rep. Stephen Handy Rep. Timothy Hawkes Rep. Lynn Hemingway Rep. Sandra Hollins Speaker Gregory Hughes Rep. Eric Hutchings Rep. Michael Kennedy Rep. Brian King Rep. John Knotwell Rep. Karen Kwan Rep. Bradley Last

26/29 (89%)

Rep. Karianne Lisonbee Rep. Cory Maloy Rep. Mike McKell Rep. Kelly Miles Rep. Jefferson Moss Rep. Carol Spackman Moss Rep. Merrill Nelson Rep. Michael Noel Rep. Derrin Owens Rep. Lee Perry Rep. Val Peterson Rep. Jeremy Peterson Rep. Dixon Pitcher Rep. Val Potter Rep. Marie Poulson Rep. Susan Pulsipher Rep. Tim Quinn Rep. Paul Ray Rep. Edward Redd Rep. Douglas Sagers Rep. Scott Sandall Rep. Dean Sanpei Rep. Mike Schultz Rep. Lowry Snow Rep. Robert Spendlove Rep. Jon Stanard Rep. Keven Stratton Rep. Norman Thurston Rep. Raymond Ward Rep. Christine Watkins

Rep. Curt Webb Rep. Elizabeth Weight Rep. John Westwood Rep. Mark Wheatley Rep. Logan Wilde Rep. Brad Wilson Rep. Mike Winder

Sen. Stuart Adams Sen. Jacob Anderegg Sen. Curtis Bramble Sen. Gregg Buxton Sen. Allen Christensen Sen. Gene Davis Sen. Luz Escamilla Sen. Lincoln Fillmore Sen. Wayne Harper Sen. Daniel Hemmert Sen. Deidre Henderson Sen. Lyle Hillyard Sen. Don Ipson Sen. Jani Iwamoto Sen. Peter Knudson Sen. Karen Mayne Sen. Ann Millner President Wayne Niederhauser Sen. Ralph Okerlund Sen. Brian Shiozawa Sen. Howard Stephenson Sen. Jerry Stevenson Sen. Daniel Thatcher Sen. Kevin Van Tassell Sen. Evan Vickers Sen. Todd Weiler

*Legislators are graded on their vote on the final passage of the bill excluding concurrence votes.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Along with the Business Champion designation, the Chamber awards legislators in six other categories: Common Ground Award This award honors legislative efforts to work with the business community on a challenging issue with varying different perspectives to find common ground. For their work on non-compete agreements this award is given to: Speaker Gregory Hughes Representative Mike Schultz Representative Timothy Hawkes Prosperity Through Education Award This award honors legislative efforts that advance improved educational outcomes through innovation, accountability and investment.

Senator Ann Millner Representative Lowry Snow Representative Mike Winder Unleashing Economic Opportunity Award This award honors legislative efforts that strengthen Utah’s economy through encouraging innovation and job creation.

President Wayne Niederhauser Senator Ralph Okerlund Senator Jerry Stevenson Speaker Gregory Hughes Representative Francis Gibson Representative Brad Wilson

Keep Utah Moving Award This award honors legislative efforts that advance smart and sustainable transportation policy to ensure Utah has a 21st century transportation system. This includes supporting adequate, stable and long-term funding that supports a high quality of life and economic growth.

Senator Wayne Harper Senator Kevin Van Tassell Representative Mike Schultz Representative Francis Gibson Breath of Fresh Air Award This award honors legislative efforts that improve our air quality through innovation, collaboration or voluntary incentive based approaches.

Senator Stuart Adams Representative Timothy Hawkes Cost of Doing Business Award This award honors legislative efforts that proactively address our state’s regulatory climate to improve Utah’s overall economic competitiveness.

Senator Dan Hemmert Senator Deidre Henderson Representative Brad Wilson Representative John Knotwell Honorable Mention: Governor Gary R. Herbert Jacey Skinner, Governor’s Counsel Kristen Cox, Governor’s Office of Management and Budget

PARTNER AWARDS 38-15-1 Chamber Partner of the Year This award honors local chamber of commerce partner(s) that proactively worked in collaboration with the Salt Lake Chamber to advance key business priorities with their local legislators and members.

Rona Rahlf, Utah Valley Chamber Gary Birdsall, South Salt Lake Chamber

Strategic Partner of the Year This award honors a strategic partner that went above and beyond to enhance the overall influence of the business community in partnership with the Salt Lake Chamber’s staff.

Chris Bleak, RRJ Consulting

STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

38-15-1 The Salt Lake Chamber’s Policy Updates.

Learn more at www.slchamber.com/policy 2017 Washington, D.C. Trip Sept. 26-29* Join other business leaders for an extraordinary opportunity to meet with Utah’s federal delegation and other renowned thought leaders in our nation’s capitol.

2017 Government Relations Bootcamp Oct. 6 and 13* Engage in an intensive two-day bootcamp designed to improve efficacy and understanding of advocating at a state and federal level.

Capitol Club Join other business leaders with a keen interest in public policy and stay on top of the state’s most pressing issues during this monthly forum.

Corporate Responsibility Highlight your company’s leadership in environmental stewardship, community service, volunteering and corporate giving through a number of Chamber programs.

Inside the Beltway | Federal Policy Forums Keep up with the new politics and changes in Washington, D.C. and how Utah’s delegation is making a difference.

Health System Reform Committee and Forums Engage with other employers in making quality health care more affordable, accessible and reliable for all Utahns.

Natural Resources Business Council A combined meeting of task forces with the focus on a comprehensive approach to the state’s natural environment and important sectors of Utah’s economy.

Prosperity 2020 Education Forums Be a part of the largest business-led movement for improving educational outcomes in state history.

Utah Transportation Coalition* A group of business and civic leaders working together to protect Utah’s environment, improve the economy and preserve our quality of life through strategic transportation investments.

Want to Sponsor the Salt Lake Chamber’s Policy Efforts?

The Salt Lake Chamber’s policy efforts give sponsoring companies real visibility to policymakers, business leaders, and select guests including the Governor, members of the Utah State Legislature and other local officials.

Contact Michael Parker at mmparker@slchamber.com

*Requires additional dues or participation fees

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