Chamber Advocacy Updates: Ballot Initiatives, Candidate Evaluations, and More!

Contributing to the Chamber PAC Made Easy

The Tucson Metro Chamber is expanding its efforts to boldly champion the interests of our local business community. To support these ambitious initiatives, we've made it easier than ever to contribute to our political action committee (PAC). Previously, PAC contributions could only be made via mail, but now we're accepting online donations as well. Whether you're an individual looking to chip in $10 or a company aiming to give $10,000, your contribution to the Tucson Metro Chamber PAC allows us to effectively advocate for policies, measures, and initiatives that strengthen our regional economy. Check out our new ChamberPAC page to learn more or click HERE to donate right now.  

Upcoming Ballot Measures Coming Before Public Policy Council

There are a few key ballot items our Public Policy Council will be reviewing over the next month, potentially leading to recommendations to the Chamber’s Board, in support or opposition, ahead of the November 2024 election:

SCR1040 - This referendum would constitutionally establish minimum hourly wage requirements for tipped employees and protect the current tip credit system used by restaurant operators. Our Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council (TRAC) has been closely monitoring this and will have provided their perspective to the Public Policy Council in July's meeting.

Raise the Wage AZ - This citizen's initiative seeks to raise the minimum wage for all employees, including tipped workers, to $18/hour by January 2025 with future increases tied to inflation. It would also gradually raise tipped employees' wages to equal the full minimum wage by 2028, while removing the tip credit system as it exists. Signatures are currently being gathered with a July 3rd deadline to make the ballot. This initiative has been closely monitored by TRAC and will be discussed in depth at July's meeting.

HCR2023 (Prop 312) - Passed by the legislature this session, this measure would create a process for property owners to receive tax refunds if they had documented expenses from vandalism/damage that occurred due to a jurisdiction failing to enforce certain ordinances or public nuisance laws. Consideration of this referendum comes from our Coalition Against Retail Theft (CART). 

The Public Policy Council will ensure a thorough vetting process, outreaching to and hearing from supporters and opponents, before potentially forwarding recommendations to the Chamber's board. More to come on these items in future communications!

Make Elections Fair AZ

The Chamber has already advanced a position in support of the "Make Elections Fair AZ" initiative, currently circulating for signatures, which would amend the state constitution to create an open primary system where all voters could choose any candidate regardless of party affiliation. The Chamber’s Public Policy Council deemed it in the best interest of the Business community to pursue an election process which drives greater competition and places responsibility upon the individual over the party while creating equity along the political spectrum when it comes to participating in primary elections.

Further action awaits successful placement on the ballot of this initiative after July 3, pending successful collection of the required number of signatures. Stay tuned!

Continued Communication with our Local Elected Leaders 

For the Chamber to proactively advocate for business interests, engagement with our elected leaders is key. The Chamber’s President & CEO and Vice President of Business Advocacy have had great meetings so far with members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and members of the Tucson City Mayor and Council about our policy priorities in the 2024 Public Policy Guide, and areas where there is alignment for collaboration. This guide was formed from a series of roundtable discussions with members and subject matter experts across our region; if you have not already, we urge you to take a read!

Evaluating Pima County Candidates for 2024

The Tucson Metro Chamber has also completed the first round of candidate evaluation interviews for the 2024 election cycle. The Chamber's bipartisan Candidate Evaluation Committee interviewed 22 candidates running for Pima County Supervisor, Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer, and Assessor over two whole days in June. Committee members scored the candidates based on criteria like business-friendliness, alignment with Chamber policy priorities, and willingness to collaborate. The official Chamber Candidate Evaluation Guide, comprised of the candidates' written questionnaire responses and recordings of their in-person interviews, will be released July 3rd when early ballots are mailed so you have all the tools you need to make informed voting decisions!

PDSD Development Fee Increase Advocacy  

Other recent advocacy activities include the Chamber weighing in on the City of Tucson's Planning and Development Services Department's fee increases. While understanding the need for adequate staffing and improved efficiency, the Chamber stressed that any funds raised by the increases must remain in that department and not be swept into the general fund. The Chamber also requested accountability measures to track if the higher fees deliver meaningful service improvements. The Chamber has indicated the importance of finding a balance to allow more expedient permitting turnaround times.

Military Affairs Committee Update

In June, The MAC secured TWO Gold Sponsorships from Chamber members Phillip Morris International (PMI) and CHASE Bank. The Tucson Metro Chamber and the MAC thank PMI and CHASE for their support of the MAC’s efforts in the coming year!

Also in June, MAC volunteers will hand out cool treats to Airmen working on the flightline during Operation Otterpop. The MAC is also hosting a kickoff meeting to relaunch its subcommittees focused on areas like advocacy, community engagement, events and sponsorships/fundraising after pausing during COVID. Subcommittee involvement is a great way for members to get more involved supporting the base's $3 billion annual economic impact.

The MAC also submitted formal comments voicing resolute support for the proposed transformation of the Davis Monthan 492nd Special Operations Wing into the Air Force Special Operations Command's Power Projection Wing. This major mission change would expand the base's capabilities by adding squadrons like MC-130Js, intelligence, and special tactics/air operations units.

If you are interested in either sponsoring or joining the MAC this year, please reach out to the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Specialist at sspencer@tucsonchamber.org or donate to the MAC using the QR code below!

Regional Transportation Planning Survey

The Pima Association of Governments is currently seeking public input to shape regional transportation priorities for the next 30 years through their "Shape Your Transportation Future" survey. As the area's metropolitan planning organization, PAG must update their long-range Regional Mobility and Accessibility Plan every four years to secure federal funding for local projects. Take a few minutes to make your voice heard!

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