2007 Policy Statements:

Education
The Chamber supports funding education first in the State’s bi-annual budget provided it is at the same level as the previous budget plus CPI. Any additional funding approval beyond this level would be negotiated as part of the state’s budgeting process as handed by the Nevada Legislature.

Eminent Domain
Eminent Domain is a necessary tool for the growth of a community; however the taking of property through eminent domain procedures is of concern and will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Immigration Reform
The Chamber recognizes the economic impact from the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. The Chamber supports a guest worker program recognizing the need for these workers in many of our industries; strengthening our borders; and determining a reasonable vehicle for citizenship for those already in the U.S. The Chamber believes that the level that currently exists to determine eligibility status is adequate and opposes expansion of employer’s obligation to determine eligibility for employment.

Land Use & Zoning
The North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce supports the preservation of industrial and commercial zoned land. The Chamber believes that maintaining industrial and commercial lands ensures that the business climate will continue to flourish and expand thereby creating additional revenue for the city or county as well as providing jobs for its residents. The Chamber also supports and encourages including commercial and industrial zoned areas in existing and future master plans.

The Chamber will oppose attempts to rezone land from industrial/commercial to residential in any areas east of I-15, in any areas where industrial/commercial already exist, and any areas that would impede future business growth and expansion.

Marijuana Initiative
The Chamber opposes the ballot initiative that would legalize the possession of small quantities of marijuana for adults 21 years and older. Many Nevada businesses rely on employment drug testing as part of their drug-free workplace program. Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana would have a significant impact on those businesses ability to protect employees, customers, and their business from drug using employees. Statistics show that workers who tested positive for marijuana use had disciplinary problems at work 64% more often, and accident records from one study showed that up to 12% (3 of every 25) of nonfatally injured drivers and up to 16% (4 of every 25) of fatally injured drivers had marijuana in their bloodstream. (www.NevadaSaysNo.com)

Minimum Wage
The Chamber supports a rational and cost prudent increase to the decade old minimum wage levels. The Chamber opposes annual increases tied to the cost-of-living index as well as tying the minimum wage to Federal levels (currently Nevada’s minimum wage is equal to Federal minimum wage). Currently Nevada state minimum wage law does not contain current dollar minimums and the Chamber believes that minimum wage levels should not become part of the Nevada Constitution which would give government a role in forcing wage increases on business. The Chamber also opposes current daily overtime compensation requirements. The Chamber believes that overtime compensation should be based on a 40 hour work week or on any daily work in excess of 12 hours.

Nellis Air Force Base
The NLVCC recognizes the economic, educational, social, and cultural contributions provided by Nellis Air Force Base.

The Chamber supports efforts to retain and optimize the use of Nellis and other military facilities in the Valley. The Chamber also supports programs and involvement designed to facilitate regular communication between the business community, military, and local government.

The Chamber will oppose any attempts to use or rezone lands that would impede the continued operation of the bases.

Property Taxes
The Chamber supports a property tax formula that represents a fair balance between residential and business. Acknowledging that property taxes represent a stable revenue platform, tax rates must remain reasonable in order to remain competitive with neighboring states.

Regulatory Environment
The Chamber is committed to representing the interests of business with government. Legislation on any level of government must take into consideration the impact on business’ bottom line.

Taxes
The NLVCC understands the importance of maintaining the balance between a viable economic climate for local business and public agencies’ reliance on tax revenue.

The Chamber believes that no new or increased taxes, assessments, or fees that negatively affect the business environment without reasonable benefit to the business community should be imposed.

The Chamber opposes any legislation that attempts to redistribute the majority of fees derived from the government services tax from the local municipalities back into the State budget.

Transportation
The Chamber supports expansion, maintenance, funding, and timely completion of major thoroughfares such as I-15, the 215-Beltway, and the North 5th Corridor to facilitate necessary and efficient traffic flows. The Chamber supports the concept of the Regional Transportation Commission’s (RTC) Regional Fixed Guide way (RFG) System with the understanding that as demands change over time, that Light Rail be an option for the future.

Unfunded Mandates, Liabilities, & Deficit Spending
The Chamber opposes unfunded mandates levied on business by governmental initiatives, believing that these mandates are nothing more than a form of business tax. The Chamber also opposes the creation of unfunded or under-funded liabilities in state and local government budgets. The Chamber believes that government should be precluded from entering into retirement contracts with employee bargaining units that are insufficiently funded from inception. These pension liabilities weaken the financial health of our communities and need to be addressed to insure that local and state government does not collapse under this burden. The Chamber supports a budget concept that government cannot spend what it does not have except in the case of a declared emergency.