Advocacy
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) advocates for our members to compete in a globally and regionally competitive marketplace by promoting opportunities and removing barriers.
In this, we ensure that we are proactive in meeting the needs of our members and serving as a resource to policymakers.
To view our 2019 Legislative Agenda, click here.
Federal Government Shutdown Information
In this, we ensure that we are proactive in meeting the needs of our members and serving as a resource to policymakers.
To view our 2019 Legislative Agenda, click here.
Federal Government Shutdown Information
- Click here to read our statement on the end of the government shutdown.
- Click here to read our letter to the Montgomery County Congressional Delegation regarding the federal government shutdown.
- Read the joint press release where we joined 23 other business organizations in the region urging the President and Congressional leaders to reopen the government.
- Read news articles with MCCC's comments on the shutdown here.
To contribute to an environment that supports local businesses,
our advocacy focuses on three main areas:
our advocacy focuses on three main areas:
Advocacy Priorities
Business Climate
Issue: The barriers of entry are too high, and businesses must be given more opportunities to drive change.
MCCC Recommended Solutions:
Small Business
Taxes and Costs
Investment in "Green Tape" program, RISE Zones, and Opportunity Zones.
Strengthen customer service, accountability, and data collection in state and local agencies and remove unnecessary requirements to streamline and quicken processes.
Require a private sector economic impact analysis prior to enacting local legislation.
Procure matching state funding for the MOVE Program.
Provide bridge financial assistance to businesses impacted by major construction projects.
Approach to economic development where resources and tools are used to attract/retain all types of businesses to the county and state.
MCCC Recommended Solutions:
Small Business
- Transparent, public, and thorough analysis of taxes and fees across counties and surrounding areas to ensure competitiveness
- Adopt federal standard definition of small business
Taxes and Costs
- Expand State R&D Tax Credits and new business tax credits
- Sunset increase in Energy Tax
- Ensure globally competitive taxes and fees through analysis and tax reform
Investment in "Green Tape" program, RISE Zones, and Opportunity Zones.
Strengthen customer service, accountability, and data collection in state and local agencies and remove unnecessary requirements to streamline and quicken processes.
Require a private sector economic impact analysis prior to enacting local legislation.
Procure matching state funding for the MOVE Program.
Provide bridge financial assistance to businesses impacted by major construction projects.
Approach to economic development where resources and tools are used to attract/retain all types of businesses to the county and state.
Talent and Workforce
Issue: Employers are struggling to attract, train, and retain top talent.
MCCC Recommended Solutions:
Education
Support employers in recruitment and retention of employees through incentives, grants, and tax credits.
Support strategies for housing affordability for all income levels.
Education
- Ensure increased actual funding for school operations and school construction
- Expand relevant and applicable workforce initiatives, Career Technical Education (CTE), apprenticeships, STEM, and curriculum to prepare graduates to find jobs in the county
Support employers in recruitment and retention of employees through incentives, grants, and tax credits.
Support strategies for housing affordability for all income levels.
Infrastructure
Issue: Employees are struggling to get to work because of a congested and limited transportation network and strategies.
MCCC Recommended Solutions:
Transportation
State and County Budgets
Comprehensive approach to expand access for broadband internet to un-served areas.
Ensure access to affordable, clean, renewable sources of energy through current/new technologies.
Transportation
- Comprehensive relief for congestion along the 270/495 corridors by leveraging smart technologies, road capacity, transit options, and abilities to telework
- Increased monetary federal investment in WMATA and other programs
- MCCC joined 33 other organizations in committing to work collaboratively on the Capital Region Blueprint for Regional Mobility.
State and County Budgets
- Maintain or increase investment in infrastructure and control spending in other budgetary areas.
Comprehensive approach to expand access for broadband internet to un-served areas.
Ensure access to affordable, clean, renewable sources of energy through current/new technologies.
GovConNet Federal Initiatives
GovConNet Midsize Initiative focuses on addressing the challenges midsize companies face with federal contracting: procurement policies, critical support for entrepreneurs, and issues that impact the business community.
Bring Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Requirements in Line with the Capabilities of Midsize Firms
Many of the most lucrative federal opportunities have been structured in a manner that excludes many midsize businesses. This initiative will involve educating agencies on structuring MAC requirements to enable midsize firms to compete.
Require a Five-Year Look-back for the Purpose of Small Business Administration (SBA) Size Determination
Modifying the receipt calculation from the current three-year average to the preceding five years of receipts for the purposes of size determination will give businesses more runway as they prepare for the transition into full and open competition.
Deduct R&D Expenses and Expenditures from Total Revenue for Size Determination
Deducting research and development (R&D) expenses and expenditures from total revenue for size determination supports the government’s initiative to stimulate technological and biomedical innovation, as well as allows companies to continue to pursue and develop new products and processes, without undue penalty.
Read more about GovConNet legislative priorities and initiatives here.
Bring Multiple Award Contract (MAC) Requirements in Line with the Capabilities of Midsize Firms
Many of the most lucrative federal opportunities have been structured in a manner that excludes many midsize businesses. This initiative will involve educating agencies on structuring MAC requirements to enable midsize firms to compete.
Require a Five-Year Look-back for the Purpose of Small Business Administration (SBA) Size Determination
Modifying the receipt calculation from the current three-year average to the preceding five years of receipts for the purposes of size determination will give businesses more runway as they prepare for the transition into full and open competition.
- The Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018 was signed into law on December 17, 2018.
- MCCC press release on the House and Senate passing the Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018.
Deduct R&D Expenses and Expenditures from Total Revenue for Size Determination
Deducting research and development (R&D) expenses and expenditures from total revenue for size determination supports the government’s initiative to stimulate technological and biomedical innovation, as well as allows companies to continue to pursue and develop new products and processes, without undue penalty.
Read more about GovConNet legislative priorities and initiatives here.
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What Should You Talk with your Congressional Representatives About?
MCCC has been active on Capitol Hill, advocating for a pathway to growth for small businesses, the work doesn’t stop there – this is a great opportunity for you to reinforce MCCC’s message. As business owners, you are affected by government policy every day – from accessing capital to entering the federal market or simply paying your taxes. MCCC aggregates those concerns and issues to drive our policy priorities. While the Chamber’s government relations team will continue to advocate for the business owners across the county, state, and region, your engagement with lawmakers in your home districts and states can make all the difference. Supporting Maryland’s businesses requires support from Republicans and Democrats alike. When you meet with your Senators and Representatives, please use this guide for your meetings with your legislators, and tips on how to make your meeting count! |
Chamber Chat
Advocacy Events
Throughout the year, MCCC creates opportunities for our members to engage with policymakers.
At our Annual Legislative Reception, business owners connect directly with their state, local, and federal elected officials. At this event, MCCC members and guests share with policymakers their experiences with doing business in Montgomery County, Metro Maryland, and beyond.
At our Annual Legislative Reception, business owners connect directly with their state, local, and federal elected officials. At this event, MCCC members and guests share with policymakers their experiences with doing business in Montgomery County, Metro Maryland, and beyond.
MetroNow Coalition
MCCC joined numerous organizations from around the region to advocate for dedicated funding for the Metro system. Together, we successfully accomplished this challenging goal.
MCCC "I Am an Employer" Campaign
"You can't be for jobs and against employers." - Norm Augustine
Business is a catalyst for positive change. As job creators and opportunity providers, employers are critical to the ongoing success of all our residents. Employers attract talent to the area, contribute to economic activity and tax revenue, and shape the marketplace. Employers are vital to sustain progress in our community.
Get Involved with MCCC Advocacy Committees
MCCC has four members-only advocacy committees that connect business leaders with federal, state, and local policymakers:
Your participation allows you to learn more about upcoming laws and regulations that may impact your business. Connect with business leaders and policy experts at an upcoming advocacy briefing.
Contact Tricia Swanson with questions about participating in an Advocacy Committee.
- Economic Development
- Infrastructure & Land Use
- Legislative Affairs
- GovConNet Council (by invitation only)
Your participation allows you to learn more about upcoming laws and regulations that may impact your business. Connect with business leaders and policy experts at an upcoming advocacy briefing.
Contact Tricia Swanson with questions about participating in an Advocacy Committee.
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Economic Development
Scope: State and County economic development issues
Meets: Monthly, 1st Wednesday, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. |
Infrastructure & Land Use
Scope: State and County transportation projects, school overcrowding and construction, and land use planning/design
Meets: Monthly, 2nd Tuesday, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. |
Legislative Affairs
Scope: State and County business climate, including taxes, incentives, employment law, and workforce development
Meets: Quarterly, as needed |
Meet Our Advocacy Team
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County
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