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.”