Policy Positions
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce advocates to ensure that your business has the best chance to grow, and that policies have a positive effect on our community.
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Government policy has the ability to impact your business drastically. New laws can either put up barriers for growth, or open new roads to success.
With our voice, we are continuously advocating on behalf of the Metro Maryland business community at the federal, state, and local levels. To learn more about our advocacy priorities, click here. Read MCCC's positions on the Montgomery County ballot questions. |
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COVID-19
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) understands the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic on the business community. MCCC is engaged with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels of government as they determine ways to assist the business community in navigating this evolving situation. View our Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
- On March 15, 2021, MCCC released a statement in support of a mass vaccination site in Montgomery County, Maryland.
- On December 3, 2020, MCCC signed on to a letter from the Greater Washington business community, urging our region's Congressional leaders to provide additional federal relief and recovery funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- On August 6, 2020, MCCC signed on to a letter from the American Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives to Congressional leadership. This letter address the CARES Act and our concerns surrounding cultural institutions, including non-profit museums, aquariums, zoos, and performing arts centers.
- On July 15, 2020, MCCC joined the Montgomery Moving Forward Early Care and Education Workforce Advocacy Coalition Members in seeking Senator Chris Van Hollen's commitment to the HEROES Act and the "Child Care is Essential Act." Read the letter.
- On May 6, 2020, MCCC joined chambers of commerce across the country to highlight gaps in the CARES Act, particularly pertaining to cultural institutions such as aquariums, zooms, and performing arts centers.
- On March 20, 2020, MCCC sent a letter to the Senate Small Business Committee regarding the impact of the coronavirus on government contractors. We received over 200 signatories in under 24 hours.
- MCCC joined 22 business organizations in sending a letter to DC Area Congressional Delegations regarding economic relief legislation.
117th Congress
The 117th Congress convened on January 3, 2021.
Government Contracting
S.2024: A bill to reauthorize the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would reauthorize the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise (ICWBE). The ICWBE has, in the past, served a vital purpose – to monitor, coordinate, and promote programs within federal agencies that support and strengthen women's business ownership.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would reauthorize the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise (ICWBE). The ICWBE has, in the past, served a vital purpose – to monitor, coordinate, and promote programs within federal agencies that support and strengthen women's business ownership.
- Read MCCC's joint letter of support.
- This letter was also signed by the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), GovEvolve, HUZone Contractors National Council, and the Women Veterans Business Coalition.
2019-2020 Legislation
Small Businesses
Section 809 Panel Recommendations
S.771: A bill to amend section 21 of the Small Business Act to require cyber certification for small business development center counselors, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Marco Rubio (FL)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Senator Marco Rubio in support of this legislation.
S.772: A bill to amend section 21 of the Small Business Act to require cyber certification for small business development center counselors, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Marco Rubio (FL)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Senator Marco Rubio in support of this legislation.
- Joint letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
- Joint letter to the House Armed Services Committee.
S.771: A bill to amend section 21 of the Small Business Act to require cyber certification for small business development center counselors, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Marco Rubio (FL)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Senator Marco Rubio in support of this legislation.
S.772: A bill to amend section 21 of the Small Business Act to require cyber certification for small business development center counselors, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Marco Rubio (FL)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Senator Marco Rubio in support of this legislation.
Government Contracting
FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
Read MCCC's letter to Senator Ben Cardin supporting amendments to the NDAA that provide relief for small business government contractors.
Read MCCC's letter to Senator Ben Cardin supporting amendments to the NDAA that provide relief for small business government contractors.
- February 25, 2020: MCCC submitted a letter to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II regarding the cancellation of the HHS Accelerate procurement.
H.R. 953: To prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including adverse information in certain consumer reports, and from making adverse determinations relating to security clearances, with respect to certain individuals affected by the Government shutdown, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Representative Dwight Evans (PA)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Rep. Evans in support of this legislation.
S.162: A bill to provide back pay to low-wage contractor employees, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Tina Smith (MN)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Senator Ben Cardin regarding this legislation.
Lead Sponsor: Representative Dwight Evans (PA)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Rep. Evans in support of this legislation.
S.162: A bill to provide back pay to low-wage contractor employees, and for other purposes.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Tina Smith (MN)
Click here to read MCCC's letter to Senator Ben Cardin regarding this legislation.
Reauthorizing SBA's Contracting Programs
Click here to read Senator Romney's comments during the Senate Small Business Committee hearing on this topic.
Click here to read Senator Romney's comments during the Senate Small Business Committee hearing on this topic.
Small Business Runway Extension Act Information
Transportation
Click here to read MCCC's statement on WMATA (Metro) funding.
2021 State Legislation
Navigate to:
General Statewide Policy Positions
- I270/495 Express Lanes:
- National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB): MCCC sent a letter to the TPB regarding their July vote on the I-270/495 Express Lanes project.
- American Legion Bridge: As a member of the Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance, MCCC signed on to a letter supporting efforts to move forward with Phase 1 of the Maryland Traffic Relief Plan. Read the letter.
- Purple Line: Read MCCC's letter to Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater regarding a potential delay to the Purple Line project. (May 21, 2020)
2021 Maryland Legislative Session
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Alcohol
House Bill 428: Montgomery County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Annual Fees MC 19-21
Lead Sponsor: Montgomery County House Delegation
Previously MC 19-21, sponsored by Delegate Luedtke
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would exempt bars and restaurants in Montgomery County from paying alcohol license fees in the 2021-2022 licensing period and would permit the county to refund the 2020-2021 fees. This legislation would directly support a hard-hit industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fees can run up to $2500 per licensing period. In order to continue navigating this global pandemic, businesses need the ability to hold onto cash. This legislation does just that and helps an industry that remains one of the hardest hit and will be one of the last to return to a sense of normalcy.
Lead Sponsor: Montgomery County House Delegation
Previously MC 19-21, sponsored by Delegate Luedtke
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would exempt bars and restaurants in Montgomery County from paying alcohol license fees in the 2021-2022 licensing period and would permit the county to refund the 2020-2021 fees. This legislation would directly support a hard-hit industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fees can run up to $2500 per licensing period. In order to continue navigating this global pandemic, businesses need the ability to hold onto cash. This legislation does just that and helps an industry that remains one of the hardest hit and will be one of the last to return to a sense of normalcy.
House Bill 12: Alcoholic Beverages - Sale or Delivery for Off-Premises Consumption
Lead Sponsor: Delegates C. Watson, C. Jackson, and Kerr
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill authorizes restaurants, bars, and taverns to sell and deliver certain alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption or delivery. The bill also states that a local licensing board may not charge an additional fee to an alcoholic beverages license holder for selling or delivering alcoholic beverages under the bill. It is important to emphasize that restaurants and bars across the state have been delivering alcohol with food safely and without issue since the Governor’s Executive Order was issued last year. This bill simply makes that permanent.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegates C. Watson, C. Jackson, and Kerr
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill authorizes restaurants, bars, and taverns to sell and deliver certain alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption or delivery. The bill also states that a local licensing board may not charge an additional fee to an alcoholic beverages license holder for selling or delivering alcoholic beverages under the bill. It is important to emphasize that restaurants and bars across the state have been delivering alcohol with food safely and without issue since the Governor’s Executive Order was issued last year. This bill simply makes that permanent.
Read MCCC's testimony.
House Bill 994: Alcoholic Beverages - Retail Delivery - Class A License Holder
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Qi
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This legislation would not require our retailers to seek authorization/permission from the local licensing board to make deliveries and, instead, they must only inform the local licensing board that it intends to make deliveries. It is important to emphasize that retailers across the state have been delivering alcohol safely and without issue since the Governor’s Executive Order was issued almost a year ago. This bill would simply make that permanent.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Qi
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This legislation would not require our retailers to seek authorization/permission from the local licensing board to make deliveries and, instead, they must only inform the local licensing board that it intends to make deliveries. It is important to emphasize that retailers across the state have been delivering alcohol safely and without issue since the Governor’s Executive Order was issued almost a year ago. This bill would simply make that permanent.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Capital
Senate Bill 246: Income Tax - Angel Investor Tax Credit Program
Lead Sponsor: Senators Hester, Feldman, and Peters
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 360 (Sponsor: Delegate Lierman)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This legislation allows a credit against the State income tax for a certain percentage of an investment made in a qualified innovation business, not to exceed $50,000, or $100,000 for a qualified investor that is a married couple filing jointly or a pass-through entity. The Chamber supports efforts to encourage more business activity, in this case among emerging businesses, while at the same time offering a tax credit to those investors who help to provide much needed capital.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Lead Sponsor: Senators Hester, Feldman, and Peters
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 360 (Sponsor: Delegate Lierman)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This legislation allows a credit against the State income tax for a certain percentage of an investment made in a qualified innovation business, not to exceed $50,000, or $100,000 for a qualified investor that is a married couple filing jointly or a pass-through entity. The Chamber supports efforts to encourage more business activity, in this case among emerging businesses, while at the same time offering a tax credit to those investors who help to provide much needed capital.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
House Bill 829: Economic Development - Small Business Financing - Loan Loss Reserve Program (Maryland Capital Access Program)
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lierman
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would establish a Capital Access Program in the Department of Commerce for the purpose of stimulating opportunities for small businesses that may have difficulty in obtaining business financing to have access to credit by establishing a loan loss reserve program. Businesses could qualify up to $250,000 in a loan.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lierman
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would establish a Capital Access Program in the Department of Commerce for the purpose of stimulating opportunities for small businesses that may have difficulty in obtaining business financing to have access to credit by establishing a loan loss reserve program. Businesses could qualify up to $250,000 in a loan.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Childcare
House Bill 608: Early Childhood Education - Child Care Provider Support Grant Program (The Child Care Provider Support Act)
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 890 (Sponsor: Senator King)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: MCCC as the voice of Montgomery County business, strongly supports House Bill 608. This bill would create an appropriation of $25 million to provide funds to eligible grantees to help support the operations of childcare centers in Maryland. Our Chamber and its members have long advocated for a strong childcare system – understanding that childcare facilities are they themselves, a business, but also because of how much this industry impacts our parental workforce. When COVID-19 hit, the importance of childcare was only further highlighted. A few months ago, MCCC held a Chamber Chat webinar on the topic of childcare and COVID-19. In this webinar, over 120 local businesses tuned in and one theme that emerged was the need for public funding to support this vital industry. Even if every resident were able to get a vaccine tomorrow, if children cannot go to a safe and reliable childcare center, employees will not be able to return to the workplace. Beyond COVID-19, a strong and reliable childcare system in the state should be viewed as an economic development recruitment tool. To compete for talent with our surrounding jurisdictions and across the nation, Maryland must differentiate ourselves in the market. Childcare should absolutely be a part of that discussion as our state has done incredible work in the area of child care accessibility and affordability.
Read MCCC's House and Senate testimony.
Watch MCCC's House testimony.
House Bill 608: Early Childhood Education - Child Care Provider Support Grant Program (The Child Care Provider Support Act)
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 890 (Sponsor: Senator King)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: MCCC as the voice of Montgomery County business, strongly supports House Bill 608. This bill would create an appropriation of $25 million to provide funds to eligible grantees to help support the operations of childcare centers in Maryland. Our Chamber and its members have long advocated for a strong childcare system – understanding that childcare facilities are they themselves, a business, but also because of how much this industry impacts our parental workforce. When COVID-19 hit, the importance of childcare was only further highlighted. A few months ago, MCCC held a Chamber Chat webinar on the topic of childcare and COVID-19. In this webinar, over 120 local businesses tuned in and one theme that emerged was the need for public funding to support this vital industry. Even if every resident were able to get a vaccine tomorrow, if children cannot go to a safe and reliable childcare center, employees will not be able to return to the workplace. Beyond COVID-19, a strong and reliable childcare system in the state should be viewed as an economic development recruitment tool. To compete for talent with our surrounding jurisdictions and across the nation, Maryland must differentiate ourselves in the market. Childcare should absolutely be a part of that discussion as our state has done incredible work in the area of child care accessibility and affordability.
Read MCCC's House and Senate testimony.
Watch MCCC's House testimony.
House Bill 944: Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Pilot Program
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would establish the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Pilot Program in the Department of Education. The Department would then provide grants to local jurisdictions or child care licensing regions to increase the supply and ensure the sustainability of family child care providers in areas with above average rates of poverty and unemployment.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would establish the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Pilot Program in the Department of Education. The Department would then provide grants to local jurisdictions or child care licensing regions to increase the supply and ensure the sustainability of family child care providers in areas with above average rates of poverty and unemployment.
Read MCCC's testimony.
COVID-19
House Bill 581: Labor and Employment - Employment Standards During an Emergency (Maryland Essential Workers' Protection Act)
Lead Sponsor: Delegate D.E. Davis
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 486 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Augustine)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: House Bill 581 creates additional requirements for employers across the state during a State of Emergency, including:
While the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) agrees with the intent of this legislation - that every employee should go to a safe workplace – this bill has many concerning requirements and associated costs that would be devastating to Maryland’s job creators.
Read MCCC's testimony submitted to the House and Senate.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate D.E. Davis
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 486 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Augustine)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: House Bill 581 creates additional requirements for employers across the state during a State of Emergency, including:
- An additional $3/hour of hazard pay,
- Employer reimbursement of healthcare and other costs,
- A new leave program for bereavement and health leave,
- Employee right to refuse work,
- Workplace safety standards, and
- Health emergency preparedness plans
While the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) agrees with the intent of this legislation - that every employee should go to a safe workplace – this bill has many concerning requirements and associated costs that would be devastating to Maryland’s job creators.
Read MCCC's testimony submitted to the House and Senate.
Senate Bill 772: Small Business COVID-19 Relief Act
Lead Sponsor: Senator Hester
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 1014 (Sponsor: Delegate Qi)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This emergency bill establishes the Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program in the Department of Commerce to provide working capital to assist Maryland for-profit small businesses, the operators of which have been disrupted due to COVID-19, and offer interim relief complementing actions with those of businesses' banks, business interruption insurance, and financial partners. Over the last 11 months, the Chamber has been actively involved with businesses from across the County and state advocating for the issues that are most impacting them during this global pandemic. MCCC has also hosted webinars on best practices in this new COVID-19 world. Through these webinars - and in advocating for our members - we are hearing that the infusion of cash through grants and loans is essential to a business' survival.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Hester
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 1014 (Sponsor: Delegate Qi)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This emergency bill establishes the Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program in the Department of Commerce to provide working capital to assist Maryland for-profit small businesses, the operators of which have been disrupted due to COVID-19, and offer interim relief complementing actions with those of businesses' banks, business interruption insurance, and financial partners. Over the last 11 months, the Chamber has been actively involved with businesses from across the County and state advocating for the issues that are most impacting them during this global pandemic. MCCC has also hosted webinars on best practices in this new COVID-19 world. Through these webinars - and in advocating for our members - we are hearing that the infusion of cash through grants and loans is essential to a business' survival.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony.
Green Business Certification
House Bill 61: Statewide Green Business Certification Program - Establishment
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Shetty
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: House Bill 61 charges the Maryland Department of the Environment to enhance the current statewide Green Registry program with policies and standards that mirror the Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program. The climate crisis must be tackled and solved by a variety of stakeholders – businesses included. This program is an incentive to businesses to green their practices across nearly every sector. As businesses work to green their practices, they should be afforded the ability to differentiate themselves in the marketplace to consumers as stewards of the environment. By bringing this certification to a statewide level, more businesses will be encouraged to participate which betters the state and region’s climate.
Read MCCC's testimony.
This is the second year MCCC is supporting this legislation. During the 2020 Legislative Session, MCCC solicited written support from a number of MCCC member companies. Read them below:
House Bill 61: Statewide Green Business Certification Program - Establishment
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Shetty
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: House Bill 61 charges the Maryland Department of the Environment to enhance the current statewide Green Registry program with policies and standards that mirror the Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program. The climate crisis must be tackled and solved by a variety of stakeholders – businesses included. This program is an incentive to businesses to green their practices across nearly every sector. As businesses work to green their practices, they should be afforded the ability to differentiate themselves in the marketplace to consumers as stewards of the environment. By bringing this certification to a statewide level, more businesses will be encouraged to participate which betters the state and region’s climate.
Read MCCC's testimony.
This is the second year MCCC is supporting this legislation. During the 2020 Legislative Session, MCCC solicited written support from a number of MCCC member companies. Read them below:
Health
Senate Bill 550: Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program
Lead Sponsor: Senator Beidle
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 872 (Lead Sponsor: Delegate Charles)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: The bill establishes the Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program for Service Members and Veterans administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Beginning in fiscal 2022, the Governor may include an annual appropriation of $2.5 million for the program in the operating budget. The Chamber has worked with over 1500 veterans through the Chamber's Veteran Institute for Procurement, over 450 are in the State of Maryland. While the Foundation does not work in the mental health arena, mental health issues are a critical employment issue, and we applaud the work of the MCCC member Easterseals.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Beidle
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 872 (Lead Sponsor: Delegate Charles)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: The bill establishes the Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program for Service Members and Veterans administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Beginning in fiscal 2022, the Governor may include an annual appropriation of $2.5 million for the program in the operating budget. The Chamber has worked with over 1500 veterans through the Chamber's Veteran Institute for Procurement, over 450 are in the State of Maryland. While the Foundation does not work in the mental health arena, mental health issues are a critical employment issue, and we applaud the work of the MCCC member Easterseals.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony.
Taxes
Business Taxes & Fees
Senate Bill 211: Labor and Employment - Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program - Establishment (Time to Care Act of 2021)
Lead Sponsor: Senator Hayes
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: Establishment of a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. While MCCC agrees with the intent of the legislation in seeking to help employees balance the challenges between work and life, we do not believe that this legislation appropriately balances those goals with economic realities faced today, particularly as a result of the pandemic.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Hayes
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: Establishment of a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. While MCCC agrees with the intent of the legislation in seeking to help employees balance the challenges between work and life, we do not believe that this legislation appropriately balances those goals with economic realities faced today, particularly as a result of the pandemic.
Read MCCC's testimony.
House Bill 217: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Expenses of Medical Cannabis Grower, Processor, Dispensary, or Independent Testing Laboratory
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Wilkins
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: Passage of IRS tax provision 280E is nearly three decades old and does not reflect the current policy and political landscape, specifically that Maryland established a legal medical cannabis program in 2013. A result of this provision is the inability for medical cannabis licensees (dispensaries, processors and growers) to write off normal and usual business expenses on their taxes; this practice is afforded to all other businesses in the state.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Wilkins
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: Passage of IRS tax provision 280E is nearly three decades old and does not reflect the current policy and political landscape, specifically that Maryland established a legal medical cannabis program in 2013. A result of this provision is the inability for medical cannabis licensees (dispensaries, processors and growers) to write off normal and usual business expenses on their taxes; this practice is afforded to all other businesses in the state.
Read MCCC's testimony.
House Bill 229: Corporate Income Tax - Throwback Rule
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Stewart
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: MCCC opposes this bill which once again proposes adopting combined reporting. Businesses are struggling and may struggle for some time and we would urge the State not to make dramatic changes in its tax policy.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Stewart
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: MCCC opposes this bill which once again proposes adopting combined reporting. Businesses are struggling and may struggle for some time and we would urge the State not to make dramatic changes in its tax policy.
Read MCCC's testimony.
House Bill 330: Effective Corporate Tax Rate Transparency Act of 2021
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Charkoudian
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill requires a publicly traded corporation required to file a Maryland corporate income tax return to include a confidential statement that identifies the corporation’s effective tax rate. While we appreciate the intent for transparency and clarity, collecting and including this information would be an onerous task for a company. Publicly traded companies already have a lot of reporting requirements; adding another is a lot of work. Given that these companies are already so highly regulated and audited, requiring this information is not only redundant and overly burdensome, but contributes to an increasing anti-business message from the State of Maryland.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Charkoudian
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill requires a publicly traded corporation required to file a Maryland corporate income tax return to include a confidential statement that identifies the corporation’s effective tax rate. While we appreciate the intent for transparency and clarity, collecting and including this information would be an onerous task for a company. Publicly traded companies already have a lot of reporting requirements; adding another is a lot of work. Given that these companies are already so highly regulated and audited, requiring this information is not only redundant and overly burdensome, but contributes to an increasing anti-business message from the State of Maryland.
Read MCCC's testimony.
House Bill 356: Corporations and Associations - Filing Fee Study
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Qi
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill charges the State Department of Assessments and Taxation with reviewing Maryland’s filing fee, the filing fees of neighboring states, and to make recommendations as to how to make Maryland’s annual fee more competitive. This could include less frequent filings, a decrease in the fee, or the establishment of a sliding fee scale. Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland’s economy. By working toward making this fee more economically competitive, Maryland would signal support for our diverse entrepreneurial community.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Qi
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill charges the State Department of Assessments and Taxation with reviewing Maryland’s filing fee, the filing fees of neighboring states, and to make recommendations as to how to make Maryland’s annual fee more competitive. This could include less frequent filings, a decrease in the fee, or the establishment of a sliding fee scale. Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland’s economy. By working toward making this fee more economically competitive, Maryland would signal support for our diverse entrepreneurial community.
Read MCCC's testimony.
Senate Bill 113: Opportunity Zone Tax Deduction Reform Act of 2021
Lead Sponsor: Senator Rosapepe
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 262 (Sponsor: Delegate Palakovich Carr)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill requires a person to add back to Maryland adjusted gross income or Maryland modified income the amount of capital gains deferred or excluded under the federal Qualified Opportunity Zones Program. Rolling back incentives created discourages investments in Maryland from across the nation. Maryland should be doing everything it can to attract opportunity zone investment and while local businesses might prefer to invest locally, they can make investments across state lines. By removing state incentives, investors will move their capital to other states.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Rosapepe
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 262 (Sponsor: Delegate Palakovich Carr)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill requires a person to add back to Maryland adjusted gross income or Maryland modified income the amount of capital gains deferred or excluded under the federal Qualified Opportunity Zones Program. Rolling back incentives created discourages investments in Maryland from across the nation. Maryland should be doing everything it can to attract opportunity zone investment and while local businesses might prefer to invest locally, they can make investments across state lines. By removing state incentives, investors will move their capital to other states.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Income Taxes
Senate Bill 133: Local Tax Relief for Working Families Act of 2021
Lead Sponsor: Senator Rosapepe
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 319 (Sponsor: Delegate Palakovich Carr)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill would give a county flexibility to set different income tax rates based on reported income in the county. In addition, it increases the maximum income tax rate allowed by the county to 3.5%. Currently, the county’s income tax rate is capped at 3.2% and is applied evenly to all taxpayers. While this bill only is authorizing and not prescribing, the Chamber has concerns about allowing jurisdictions these flexibilities prior to an analysis of Maryland’s current tax structure.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Rosapepe
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 319 (Sponsor: Delegate Palakovich Carr)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill would give a county flexibility to set different income tax rates based on reported income in the county. In addition, it increases the maximum income tax rate allowed by the county to 3.5%. Currently, the county’s income tax rate is capped at 3.2% and is applied evenly to all taxpayers. While this bill only is authorizing and not prescribing, the Chamber has concerns about allowing jurisdictions these flexibilities prior to an analysis of Maryland’s current tax structure.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Senate Bill 288: Income Tax - Carried Interest - Additional Tax
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 215 (Sponsor: Delegate Palakovich Carr)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This legislation imposes a 17% State income tax on the distributive share or pro-rata share of a pass-through entity’s (PTE) taxable income that is attributable to investment management services provided in the State. This issue is a U.S. federal income tax matter, not a Maryland state tax matter. This is because all types of income are taxed at the same tax rate in Maryland. Imposing an additional Maryland tax to make up for a federal tax difference between the capital gains tax rate versus other income tax rate will result in more than tripling the Maryland tax on this income.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 215 (Sponsor: Delegate Palakovich Carr)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This legislation imposes a 17% State income tax on the distributive share or pro-rata share of a pass-through entity’s (PTE) taxable income that is attributable to investment management services provided in the State. This issue is a U.S. federal income tax matter, not a Maryland state tax matter. This is because all types of income are taxed at the same tax rate in Maryland. Imposing an additional Maryland tax to make up for a federal tax difference between the capital gains tax rate versus other income tax rate will result in more than tripling the Maryland tax on this income.
Read MCCC's Senate and House testimony on this legislation.
Transportation
House Bill 1236: Transit - Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train - Expansion of Service
Lead Sponsor: Delegates Solomon and Lopez
This bill was passed during the 2020 State Legislative Session; however, Governor Hogan subsequently vetoed this legislation.
MCCC Position: Support the Veto Override
Summary: This legislation was a priority for MCCC during the 2020 Legislative Session. The bill would begin to implement the MARC Cornerstone Plan through three initiatives of statewide importance, including: (1) a plan to pilot an extension of MARC trains beyond Union Station to L’Enfant Plaza, Crystal City and Alexandria; (2) a plan to close the gap between Perryville, Maryland and Newark, Delaware—opening job opportunities for residents in Cecil and Harford counties in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania; and (3) a concept plan to connect the Penn Line and the Camden Line to enhance these lines’ resiliency and improve operations and maintenance.
MCCC joined Metro Maryland leaders in signing on to a letter to support the veto override.
Lead Sponsor: Delegates Solomon and Lopez
This bill was passed during the 2020 State Legislative Session; however, Governor Hogan subsequently vetoed this legislation.
MCCC Position: Support the Veto Override
Summary: This legislation was a priority for MCCC during the 2020 Legislative Session. The bill would begin to implement the MARC Cornerstone Plan through three initiatives of statewide importance, including: (1) a plan to pilot an extension of MARC trains beyond Union Station to L’Enfant Plaza, Crystal City and Alexandria; (2) a plan to close the gap between Perryville, Maryland and Newark, Delaware—opening job opportunities for residents in Cecil and Harford counties in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania; and (3) a concept plan to connect the Penn Line and the Camden Line to enhance these lines’ resiliency and improve operations and maintenance.
MCCC joined Metro Maryland leaders in signing on to a letter to support the veto override.
Visit our 2020 State Legislation page for information regarding bills and policy positions from the 2020 Legislative Session.
2020-2021 Montgomery County Legislation
General Countywide Policy Positions
19th Montgomery County Council
The 19th Montgomery County Council was sworn in on Monday, December 8, 2018.
General Countywide Policy Positions
- Read MCCC's testimony on the FY22 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Amendments.
Bill 6-21: Finance - Revenue Estimating Group - Established
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This would establish a Revenue Estimating Group to review and forecast County revenues. The goal of the legislation is to increase the accuracy and usefulness of County revenue projections necessary for budget decision-making. This is essential to the future of Montgomery County’s economy – our County needs better revenue data. In particular, better data is needed on recordation and transfer taxes in order to minimize the year-to-year changes in tax rates. Through and following the COVID-19 global pandemic, accurate numbers are needed to successfully navigate the county, its businesses, and its residents out of the economic crash.
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This would establish a Revenue Estimating Group to review and forecast County revenues. The goal of the legislation is to increase the accuracy and usefulness of County revenue projections necessary for budget decision-making. This is essential to the future of Montgomery County’s economy – our County needs better revenue data. In particular, better data is needed on recordation and transfer taxes in order to minimize the year-to-year changes in tax rates. Through and following the COVID-19 global pandemic, accurate numbers are needed to successfully navigate the county, its businesses, and its residents out of the economic crash.
Bill 16-21: Environmental Sustainability - Building Energy Use Benchmarking and Performance Standards - Amendments
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Support with Amendments
Summary: This bill seeks to fulfill the County’s climate goals by expanding the number of buildings covered by the County’s current energy benchmarking program and establishing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) for commercial and multifamily buildings with a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet and above. The bill also creates a Building Performance Improvement Board.
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Support with Amendments
Summary: This bill seeks to fulfill the County’s climate goals by expanding the number of buildings covered by the County’s current energy benchmarking program and establishing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) for commercial and multifamily buildings with a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet and above. The bill also creates a Building Performance Improvement Board.
ZTA 19-07: Telecommunications Towers - Limited Use
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This ZTA creates the necessary regulatory pathways for the installation of 5G cell antennas. This technology will increase internet capabilities and speed, usher in the use of new technologies, and help close the digital divide by providing internet access to places where it is currently not widely available.
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This ZTA creates the necessary regulatory pathways for the installation of 5G cell antennas. This technology will increase internet capabilities and speed, usher in the use of new technologies, and help close the digital divide by providing internet access to places where it is currently not widely available.
2019-2020 County Council Legislation
- NEW! The Montgomery County Council elected its new officers:
- Read: MCCC's thank you letter to outgoing Council President Sidney Katz
- Read: MCCC's letter congratulating incoming Council President Tom Hucker
- Read: MCCC's letter congratulating incoming Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz
- Read: MCCC's statement on the Montgomery County Executive's failure to distribute $45.6M in federal relief
- Read: MCCC's testimony in support of reopening resources for businesses
- Read: Montgomery County Business Organizations Commit to Addressing Racism and Economic Inequity in Montgomery County, Maryland
- Read Joint Chamber Letter to Councilmember Will Jawando Regarding His Reckless Comments
- Read MCCC's testimony on the FY21 Capital Budget and FY2021-2026 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
- MCCC's recommendations for the Montgomery County Planning Board.
- Read MCCC President and CEO Gigi Godwin's testimony on Montgomery County's Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget.
- Read MCCC's letter to the Montgomery County Council regarding County employee compensation and benefits.
Bill 32-20: Solid Waste (Trash) - Waste Reduction/Source Reduction and Single-Use Straws - Requirements
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Oppose
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Oppose
Bill 40-20E: Licensing and Regulations - Uniform Trader's License Fee
Lead Sponsors: Councilmembers Glass and Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Lead Sponsors: Councilmembers Glass and Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Bill 35-20: Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards - Amendments
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Jawando
MCCC Position: Oppose
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Jawando
MCCC Position: Oppose
Bill 32-20: Solid Waste (Trash) - Waste Reduction/Source Reduction and Single-Use Straws - Requirements
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Oppose
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Oppose
Bill 16-20E: Economic Development Fund - Public Health Emergency Grant Program - Established
Lead Sponsor: County Council
MCCC Position: Support
Lead Sponsor: County Council
MCCC Position: Support
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Bill 9-20: Economic Development Fund - Local Business Child Care Grant Program - Established
Lead Sponsor: Councilmembers Albornoz and Navarro MCCC Position: Support
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Bill 39-19: Contracts and Procurement - Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP) - Amendments
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Jawando MCCC Position: Support |
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ZTA 19-07: Telecommunications Towers - Limited Use
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Support
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Support
Bill 34-19: Taxation - Development Impact Taxes - Affordable Housing - Housing Impact Fairness Act
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Glass
MCCC Position: Oppose
Bill 25-19E: Contracts and Procurement - Local Business Preference Program - Established
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Support
Read the joint letter by MCCC, the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce urging the Council to discuss this legislation before the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee. This legislation has been deferred for over a month.
Bill 12-19: Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Building Maintenance Worker - Minimum Work Week
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Oppose
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Bill 10-19: Legislative Branch - Economic Impact Statements - Amendments
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Bill 7-19: Environmental Sustainability - Commercial Propoerty Assessed Clean Energy Program - New Construction
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Hucker
MCCC Position: Support
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Glass
MCCC Position: Oppose
Bill 25-19E: Contracts and Procurement - Local Business Preference Program - Established
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Support
Read the joint letter by MCCC, the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce urging the Council to discuss this legislation before the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee. This legislation has been deferred for over a month.
Bill 12-19: Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Building Maintenance Worker - Minimum Work Week
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Oppose
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Bill 10-19: Legislative Branch - Economic Impact Statements - Amendments
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Bill 7-19: Environmental Sustainability - Commercial Propoerty Assessed Clean Energy Program - New Construction
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Hucker
MCCC Position: Support
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
2018 County Council Legislation
Bill 36-18: Transportation Management - Transportation Demand Management Plan - Amendments
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Letter of Concern
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Bill 40-18: Secondhand Personal Property - Dealers - License
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Lead Sponsor: County Executive
MCCC Position: Letter of Concern
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
Bill 40-18: Secondhand Personal Property - Dealers - License
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Friedson
MCCC Position: Support
Click here to read MCCC testimony.
