Issues
The Jefferson Chamber serves as the voice of business in Jefferson Parish. The Chamber listens closely and acts proactively on the issues and concerns of its members and the business community. Our organization continues to work tirelessly to defend business interests at the Parish, State and Federal level.
In 2017, the Jefferson Chamber supported numerous pieces of state legislation on the following issues:
- Fiscal reform
- Quality early childhood care and education
- Coastal restoration
- Workforce development
- Economic development incentives
Notable positions taken by the Chamber included actively supporting statewide regulation for Transportation Networking Companies (TNC) and supporting the gas tax initiative for funding towards infrastructure. Additionally, our chamber supported the criminal justice reinvestment initiative to support strengthening public safety, utilizing evidence-based solutions, linking spending with outcomes and investing in employability to address workforce needs.
Washington Fly-In
Each year, business leaders and locally elected officials travel to Washington, D.C., to promote and discuss the Chamber’s federal legislative agenda. In 2017, the agenda included energy, immigration and healthcare reform.
The Fly-In offers business and community leaders the opportunity to share their feedback with Louisiana’s congressional delegation and key staff members. While in D.C., the group also has the opportunity to deliberate with nationally recognized experts.
Coalition Building and Support
Effective coalitions can serve as a powerful tool in communicating and promoting a position to the public and legislative body. The Jefferson Chamber became a member of a number of coalitions throughout 2017, including the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, BUILD IT Coalition, Let’s Geaux Louisiana Coalition, Criminal Justice Reinvestment Coalition, GROW Louisiana Coalition, Jefferson Parish Complete Streets Coalition and the Port of New Orleans Clean Air Advisory Group.
The Chamber met regularly and stayed in constant contact with its coalitions to address a variety of concerns affecting Jefferson Parish. Through its work with the BUILD IT Coalition, the Chamber was able to voice its support for the gas tax initiative that, if passed, would have utilized funding towards infrastructure. As a member of the Let’s Geaux Louisiana coalition, the Chamber was able to support statewide regulation of app-based transportation software such as Uber and Lyft. Lastly, as a member of the Jefferson Parish Complete Street Coalition, the Chamber was able to voice its support of improved safety and accessibility for people walking and biking in the community.
The Jefferson Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) proudly endorsed these winning candidates in 2017:
Jefferson Parish Councilman, District 4: Dominick Impastato
State Representative, District 92: Joe Stagni