Chesterton Tribune

 

 

NWI Forum sets 2016 legislative goals: Better roads, protecting incentives

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The Northwest Indiana Forum (Forum) outlined its 2016 legislative priorities on Jan. 13 at a reception in Indianapolis for the Northwest Indiana delegation and Forum members.

About 20 legislators, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith, and other elected officials attended the event, which was keynoted by Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Jim Schellinger, the Forum said in a statement released last week.

“The Northwest Indiana Forum believes it is essential for our business climate to have a funding solution in place to maintain and improve our transportation networks” said Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis. “While it’s nice to look back on our successes in 2015, we need to keep moving the needle forward to create a business climate that will help grow the economic pie in Northwest Indiana.”

The Forum takes positions on issues which its membership believes will have an effect on the development and creation of a strong globally competitive economy in Northwest Indiana.

The Forum’s 2016 legislative agenda:

* Transportation infrastructure improvements: several bills have been introduced, proposing a variety of funding solutions for improving and maintaining the Crossroads of America. “The Forum recognizes the need for a solution to Indiana’s transportation needs and infrastructure is critical,” the statement said.

* Protecting economic-development incentive programs: economic-development incentives promote economic growth and prosperity within communities and regions. “The Forum maintains that programs and tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Enterprise Zones, Urban Enterprise Associations, Community Revitalization Enhancement Districts (CReED) and Tax Phase-Ins should remain in statute as currently written or with additional flexibility,” the statement said.

* Permanent funding for the Regional Cities Initiatives grant program: “The grant funding opportunity of 2015 motivated many regional partners to initiate collaborative discussions and formal applications,” the statement said. “Creation of a permanent funding source for this process will encourage innovation and collaboration to build upon plans with each grant cycleÑcontinuing to make the state more attractive and competitive for economic development projects.”

* Improving U.S. High 30: “The Forum supports the continued study of U.S. 30 as a freeway without grade crossings from Ind. 49 to the Ohio state line,” the statement said. “The project would be an engine for economic development in Northern Indiana.”

2015 Legislative Successes

The Forum, in collaboration with the Northwest Indiana legislative delegation and its regional partners, celebrated the following successes:

* Continued funding of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA).

* The investment in commuter rail expansion and infrastructure.

* Continued efforts for localization and training funding for workforce development.

* Early payoff of federal unemployment insurance.

* The re-authorization of the Export-Import Bank.

“The Forum is thankful for the opportunity to work with all of the members, regional partners, and elected officials to make Northwest Indiana and the State of Indiana a place that works,” the statement said.”

 

 

Posted 1/18/2016

 
 
 
 

 

 

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