January 14, 2010
To: NW SPEEA Council Members
From: NW SPEEA
L&PA Committee
Subject: PRESUBMITTED NEW BUSINESS: Support Local Economic Development and Job Creation
Background
The
NW SPEEA Council sets policy for issues that arise in the Washington State
legislative sessions. SPEEA members and staff advocate with their elected
officials and sometimes testify on proposed legislation during our lobby days
in February, and at other times during the session.
In
2003, the State Legislature passed a generous tax incentive to attract final
assembly of the 787. This year, the State Legislature may respond to Boeing's
decision to open a second 787 production line elsewhere. We should be prepared
to advocate for our members as this situation develops.
Along
similar lines, SPEEA participates in the Governor's Aerospace Council, and in
other public venues where questions arise about making a positive business
climate, attracting and retaining new business, and creating jobs in local
communities.
Polices
and rules being debated will have a direct effect on our members, their
families and communities. The NW Council should adopt guidelines regarding
state and local incentives for economic development, for SPEEA delegates and
staff to follow.
Motion
It is moved that:
It shall be
the policy of the NW SPEEA COUNCIL
to permit member political activists and staff to support statewide or local
legislation or public policy for economic development that includes explicit
controls or feedback that connects the use of public resources to local
economic well-being, such as the creation and retention of jobs in our local
communities. This would apply to legislation or policies that provide
incentives, subsidies, tax reductions or other public resources.
PRO
·
These issues are directly connected to the economic well-being of SPEEA
members and families.
CON
·
Any act of legislation or policy
may cover many subjects, with some provisions that may have mixed support from
our membership.