Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Host Webinar for Federation Members on December 8

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce Industry is preparing for their 2024 legislative session, and would like to invite all Missouri Chamber Federation members to discuss the 2024 session and what they can expect during a webinar on Friday, December 8.

Their priorities this coming year include:

1. A strong education system is key to Missouri’s long-term economic strength and competitiveness. We support efforts to adequately fund all levels of education. This includes early childhood education, K-12, higher education, and short-term postsecondary training programs.
2. We strongly support a system of free enterprise and oppose efforts by the government to intervene in business decisions. The government should let business decide how to run its own workplace(s).
3. Child care is a pivotal statewide workforce and economic development issue. Parents’ entry or re-entry into the workforce is often hindered by child care provider shortages. Missouri should increase the accessibility, availability, and affordability of high-quality child care.
4. We support a broad-spectrum approach to upskilling and right-skilling our state’s workforce to address labor shortages and help businesses’ growth. This includes adequately funding our existing workforce development programs, like Fast Track,
   Upskill Credential, and Missouri One Start job training. It is also important to advocate for new policies that are responsive and flexible to businesses’ needs to recruit and retain skilled workers today while anticipating employment needs of the future. In addition, we support efforts to attract more talent to the state and improve workforce housing options.
5. State investment in tourism supports economic growth, job creation, and tax revenue. We support increasing funding of tourism promotion and other tourism-related programs, as it would positively impact many communities and have a positive ripple effect across the entire state
6. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Therefore, Missouri should increase access to funding and other resources for small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs to help them confidently start, grow, or expand.
7. A safer Missouri is a stronger Missouri. We support efforts to reduce crime and enhance public safety. The state should dedicate adequate funding for public safety to address our law enforcement staffing shortage and establish innovative tools to combat crime.
8. Mental health and substance abuse issues negatively impact our state’s workforce and overall public safety. We support a comprehensive approach to improving access to mental health resources. This includes recruiting and retaining more mental health workers, investing in mental health resources, and providing employers with tools to address mental health and substance abuse in their workplaces.
9. Economic development drives growth, creates new job opportunities and facilitates an improved quality of life. Missouri should embrace an all-of-the-above approach in utilizing and offering innovative economic development tools and tax incentives to help its local communities and businesses thrive. We support efforts to continue statewide efforts to improve access to broadband, as it is vital for Missouri’s economic growth.
10. We support comprehensive efforts to maximize Missouri’s position as an emerging technology hub. By enacting innovative policies, increasing investment, and training our workforce for high-tech jobs, our state can grow its global tech and innovation footprint.

Federation members are invited to join this free webinar via Zoom from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. You can register here.

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in learning about the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, its programs, or efforts, visit their website or their Facebook page.