Current 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.
Federal Government Contracting
Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations
Summary: On January 13, 2022, MCCC's GovConNet Council sent a letter to Chairs and Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee regarding FY22 Appropriations. In the letter, the GovConNet Council encourages the members to consider the impact of an extended continuing resolution (CR) on the federal government contracting community, while urging them to fund the rest of FY22 through an omnibus bill.
Summary: On January 13, 2022, MCCC's GovConNet Council sent a letter to Chairs and Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee regarding FY22 Appropriations. In the letter, the GovConNet Council encourages the members to consider the impact of an extended continuing resolution (CR) on the federal government contracting community, while urging them to fund the rest of FY22 through an omnibus bill.
- Read MCCC's letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members.
H.R.5585: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
Lead Sponsor: Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accelerate health and medical innovation.
Lead Sponsor: Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accelerate health and medical innovation.
H.R.7694 - Strengthening Subcontracting for Small Businesses Act of 2022
Lead Sponsor: Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: The bill expands the importance of subcontracting plan performance in agency evaluation of offerors and makes this performance a more important factor in winning future work.
Lead Sponsor: Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: The bill expands the importance of subcontracting plan performance in agency evaluation of offerors and makes this performance a more important factor in winning future work.
- Read MCCC's joint letter of support.
- This letter was also signed by AltoStratus Group LLC, Capital T. Solutions LLC, Institute for Development Impact, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and the Women Veterans Business Coalition (WVBC).
S.2024: Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise Act of 2021
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.
S.583: Promoting Rigorous and Innovative Cost Efficiencies for Federal Procurement and Acquisitions (PRICE) Act of 2021
Lead Sponsor: Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Maria Salazar (R-FL)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would encourage innovation in contracting and expand opportunities for small businesses to work with the federal government. It will require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to work with federal acquisition administrators to share innovative best practices that will help modernize contracting procedures, realize cost savings for taxpayers, and ensure small businesses have a seat at the table in federal contracting.
Lead Sponsor: Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Maria Salazar (R-FL)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill would encourage innovation in contracting and expand opportunities for small businesses to work with the federal government. It will require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to work with federal acquisition administrators to share innovative best practices that will help modernize contracting procedures, realize cost savings for taxpayers, and ensure small businesses have a seat at the table in federal contracting.
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Growing the Small Business Supplier Base in Government Contracting
Summary: On October 13, 2021, MCCC Board Member Sophia Tong, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of T and T Consulting Services Inc., testified before the House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. The topic was "Growing the Small Business Supplier Base in Government Contracting." |
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Transportation
Capital Crescent Trail (CCT)
Summary: On April 8, 2022, MCCC sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In the letter, MCCC requested his support of Montgomery County’s application for funding of the CCT through the RAISE program.
Summary: On April 8, 2022, MCCC sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In the letter, MCCC requested his support of Montgomery County’s application for funding of the CCT through the RAISE program.
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.
2022 State Legislation
NEW! View the 2022 Maryland Legislative Session Advocacy Report.
Navigate to:
General Statewide Policy Positions
Budget
- On September 29, 2021, MCCC sent a letter to Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis Schrader requesting the inclusion of $2.5 million in his FY23 budget proposal for the Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program for Service Members and Veterans. MCCC supported the bill that authorized the creation of the program, but the program is not yet funded. This program seeks to address the need for behavioral health services among veterans, service members, and their families in Maryland.
2022 Maryland Legislative Session
- On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 the Maryland General Assembly convened its 2022 Legislative Session.
Alcohol
House Bill 242: Montgomery County - Alcoholic Beverages - Consumption Only Marketplace Licenses MC 06-22
Lead Sponsor: Montgomery County Delegation
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will authorize the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners to issue a consumption only marketplace license to either the developer or management company of a commercial shopping center. This bill will also alter the distance that the license holder is authorized to allow the consumption of beer, wine, and liquor to include an area within 1,000 feet of the designated outdoor area.
Lead Sponsor: Montgomery County Delegation
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will authorize the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners to issue a consumption only marketplace license to either the developer or management company of a commercial shopping center. This bill will also alter the distance that the license holder is authorized to allow the consumption of beer, wine, and liquor to include an area within 1,000 feet of the designated outdoor area.
Senate Bill 11: Maryland Online Consumer Protection and Child Safety Act
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lee
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will regulate the collection and use of consumers' personal information by businesses, establish the right of a consumer to receive information regarding collection practices, have personal information deleted by a business, and prohibit the disclosure of personal information by a business, require businesses to provide certain notices to consumers and include certain information in online privacy policies, and will authorize the Office of the Attorney General to adopt regulations to carry out the Act.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lee
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will regulate the collection and use of consumers' personal information by businesses, establish the right of a consumer to receive information regarding collection practices, have personal information deleted by a business, and prohibit the disclosure of personal information by a business, require businesses to provide certain notices to consumers and include certain information in online privacy policies, and will authorize the Office of the Attorney General to adopt regulations to carry out the Act.
Child Care
House Bill 993: Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund - Established
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Ebersole
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 919 (Sponsors: Senator King)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will establish the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund, whose purpose is to provide no-interest loans for capital expenses to child care providers who participate in the Child Care Scholarship Program.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Ebersole
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 919 (Sponsors: Senator King)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will establish the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund, whose purpose is to provide no-interest loans for capital expenses to child care providers who participate in the Child Care Scholarship Program.
House Bill 995: Early Childhood Development - Child Care Scholarship Program - Alterations
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 920 (Sponsors: Senator King)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require the State Department of Education to establish a certain process for granting presumptive eligibility for a subsidy under the Child Care Scholarship Program, require the Department to award a certain subsidy to an individual who submits certain proof, prohibit the Department from requiring an individual to take certain actions to be eligible for a certain subsidy, require the Department to pay a certain child care provider within 10 days of receipt of an invoice from a child care provider.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 920 (Sponsors: Senator King)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require the State Department of Education to establish a certain process for granting presumptive eligibility for a subsidy under the Child Care Scholarship Program, require the Department to award a certain subsidy to an individual who submits certain proof, prohibit the Department from requiring an individual to take certain actions to be eligible for a certain subsidy, require the Department to pay a certain child care provider within 10 days of receipt of an invoice from a child care provider.
House Bill 89: Child Care Stabilization Grant Program and Child Care Expansion Grant Program - Established
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Queen
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 480 (Sponsors: Senators Hester, King, and West)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will establish the Child Care Stabilization Grant Program to provide financial support to licensed child care providers in the state that are in danger of closing in the next 12 months due to financial hardship, and the Child Care Expansion Grant Program to increase access and availability of licenses child care providers in the state by providing financial assistance to new or existing child care providers, in the State Department of Education.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Queen
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 480 (Sponsors: Senators Hester, King, and West)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will establish the Child Care Stabilization Grant Program to provide financial support to licensed child care providers in the state that are in danger of closing in the next 12 months due to financial hardship, and the Child Care Expansion Grant Program to increase access and availability of licenses child care providers in the state by providing financial assistance to new or existing child care providers, in the State Department of Education.
Economic Development
House Bill 1096: Economic Development Tax Credit Programs - Qualified Position and Qualified Employee - Definitions
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Feldmark
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will alter the definition of "qualified position" for purposed of eligibility for and the calculation of benefits under the One Maryland and More Jobs and Marylanders economic development programs, and will alter the definition for purposed of eligibility for and calculation of the credit against the income tax for certain business entities located in an enterprise zone.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Feldmark
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will alter the definition of "qualified position" for purposed of eligibility for and the calculation of benefits under the One Maryland and More Jobs and Marylanders economic development programs, and will alter the definition for purposed of eligibility for and calculation of the credit against the income tax for certain business entities located in an enterprise zone.
Senate Bill 671: Economic Development - Eligibility for State Job Creation Incentives
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Kramer
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 849 (Sponsor: Delegate Stewart)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will prohibit a certain entity from qualifying for a certain State job creation incentive unless certain positions created or maintained by the entity satisfy certain standards, and require an entity that receives a State job creation incentive to report certain information on wages, benefits, and taxes to the unit of State government that administers the incentive at least once per year.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Kramer
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 849 (Sponsor: Delegate Stewart)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will prohibit a certain entity from qualifying for a certain State job creation incentive unless certain positions created or maintained by the entity satisfy certain standards, and require an entity that receives a State job creation incentive to report certain information on wages, benefits, and taxes to the unit of State government that administers the incentive at least once per year.
Environment
House Bill 708: Comprehensive Climate Solutions
Lead Sponsors: Senators Barve and Stein
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions through the use of various measures, including the alteration of statewide greenhouse gas emissions goals, the establishment of a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas goal, requiring gas companies and electric companies to provide certain programs and services, and requiring electric companies to increase their annual increment gross energy savings through certain programs and services.
Lead Sponsors: Senators Barve and Stein
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions through the use of various measures, including the alteration of statewide greenhouse gas emissions goals, the establishment of a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas goal, requiring gas companies and electric companies to provide certain programs and services, and requiring electric companies to increase their annual increment gross energy savings through certain programs and services.
House Bill 307: Environment - Packaging Materials - Producer Responsibility
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lierman
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 292 (Sponsor: Senator Augustine)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require the Maryland Department of the Environment to conduct a statewide recycling needs assessment every 10 years, require, by April 1, 2024, producers of certain packaging materials to individually or as part of a producer responsibility organization submit a producer responsibility plan to the Department for approval, and prohibit, on or after October 1, 2024, a producer of certain packaging materials from selling or distributing the packaging materials unless the producer has an approved producer responsibility plan.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lierman
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 292 (Sponsor: Senator Augustine)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require the Maryland Department of the Environment to conduct a statewide recycling needs assessment every 10 years, require, by April 1, 2024, producers of certain packaging materials to individually or as part of a producer responsibility organization submit a producer responsibility plan to the Department for approval, and prohibit, on or after October 1, 2024, a producer of certain packaging materials from selling or distributing the packaging materials unless the producer has an approved producer responsibility plan.
Senate Bill 528: Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions through the use of various measures, including the alteration of statewide greenhouse gas emissions goals, the establishment of a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions goal, the development of certain energy efficiency and electrification requirements for certain buildings, and will require electric companies to increase their annual incremental gross energy savings through certain programs and services.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions through the use of various measures, including the alteration of statewide greenhouse gas emissions goals, the establishment of a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions goal, the development of certain energy efficiency and electrification requirements for certain buildings, and will require electric companies to increase their annual incremental gross energy savings through certain programs and services.
Government Contracting
Senate Bill 9: Procurement - Minority Business Enterprises - Qualification and Certification
Lead Sponsor: Senator West
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will allow a business to certify as a state Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) without any paperwork other than evidence of a current certification under the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. MCCC will testify that this bill reduces regulatory hurdles and encourages more minority firms, including small government contractors, to certify their companies to do business with the State of Maryland.
Lead Sponsor: Senator West
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will allow a business to certify as a state Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) without any paperwork other than evidence of a current certification under the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. MCCC will testify that this bill reduces regulatory hurdles and encourages more minority firms, including small government contractors, to certify their companies to do business with the State of Maryland.
Green Business Certification
Senate Bill 308: Environment - Statewide Green Business Certification Program
Lead Sponsor: Senator Lam
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 814 (Sponsor: Delegate Shetty)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish and administer a statewide green business certification program. It must recognize businesses operating in a manner that reduces their environmental footprint and provide consumers with information on how to identify certified green businesses.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Lam
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 814 (Sponsor: Delegate Shetty)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish and administer a statewide green business certification program. It must recognize businesses operating in a manner that reduces their environmental footprint and provide consumers with information on how to identify certified green businesses.
Land Use
House Bill 414: Economic Development - Project Restore and Fund
Lead Sponsor: Speaker Jones
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 393 (Sponsor: President Shetty)
MCCC Position: Support with Amendments
Summary: This bill will establish the Project Restore Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide financial incentives for small businesses and commercial developers to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space, authorize the award of certain grants to certain businesses and developers under certain circumstances, establish the Project Restore Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund in the Department, and require interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund.
Lead Sponsor: Speaker Jones
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 393 (Sponsor: President Shetty)
MCCC Position: Support with Amendments
Summary: This bill will establish the Project Restore Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide financial incentives for small businesses and commercial developers to revitalize vacant retail and commercial space, authorize the award of certain grants to certain businesses and developers under certain circumstances, establish the Project Restore Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund in the Department, and require interest earnings of the Fund to be credited to the Fund.
House Bill 392: Landlord and Tenant - Failure to Repair Serious and Dangerous Defects - Tenant Remedies (Tenant Justice Act)
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Stewart
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will authorize a single tenant to seek remedies on behalf of a group of tenants' organization for a landlord's failure repair serious and dangerous defects on the leased premises, will authorize a tenant to bring a civil action for damages if a landlord fails to repair defects within a certain time period, and will require the award of attorney's fees to a tenant who prevails in an act.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Stewart
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will authorize a single tenant to seek remedies on behalf of a group of tenants' organization for a landlord's failure repair serious and dangerous defects on the leased premises, will authorize a tenant to bring a civil action for damages if a landlord fails to repair defects within a certain time period, and will require the award of attorney's fees to a tenant who prevails in an act.
Privacy
Taxes & Fees
House Bill 409: Corporations and Associations - Annual Reports - Fees for Electronic Filing
Lead Sponsor: Speaker Jones
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 403 (Lead Sponsor: President Ferguson)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will eliminate filing fees paid by corporations and other business entities to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for certain annual reports due on or after April 15, 2023, that are filed electronically.
Lead Sponsor: Speaker Jones
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 403 (Lead Sponsor: President Ferguson)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will eliminate filing fees paid by corporations and other business entities to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for certain annual reports due on or after April 15, 2023, that are filed electronically.
Senate Bill 360: Corporate Tax Fairness Act of 2022
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require affiliated corporations to compute Maryland taxable income using combine reporting and applies a "throwback" rule in determining whether sales are considered in the State for purposes of the State's corporate income tax apportionment formula.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will require affiliated corporations to compute Maryland taxable income using combine reporting and applies a "throwback" rule in determining whether sales are considered in the State for purposes of the State's corporate income tax apportionment formula.
House Bill 722: Corporations and Associations - Annual Reports - Filing Fees
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Qi
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will eliminate the filing fees paid by certain business entities to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for certain annual reports if the business entities file electronically or do not report any personal property for which property tax is owed.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Qi
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will eliminate the filing fees paid by certain business entities to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for certain annual reports if the business entities file electronically or do not report any personal property for which property tax is owed.
House Bill 351: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Expenses of Medical Cannabis Grower, Processor, Dispensary, or Independent Testing Laboratory
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Wilkins
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 333 (Sponsor: Senator Young)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will create a subtraction modification against the State individual and corporate income tac for the amount of ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year for a licenses medical cannabis grower, processor, or dispensary if the deduction is disallowed in the Internal Revenue Code.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Wilkins
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 333 (Sponsor: Senator Young)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will create a subtraction modification against the State individual and corporate income tac for the amount of ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year for a licenses medical cannabis grower, processor, or dispensary if the deduction is disallowed in the Internal Revenue Code.
House Bill 457: Corporate Income Tax - Throwback Rule and Combined Reporting
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lehman
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will alter Maryland's corporate income tax by requiring combined reporting and applying a "throwback" rule in determining whether sales are considered in the State.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Lehman
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will alter Maryland's corporate income tax by requiring combined reporting and applying a "throwback" rule in determining whether sales are considered in the State.
Senate Bill 361: Income Tax - Carried Interest - Additional Tax
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will impose a 17% State income tax on the distributive share or pro-rata share of a pass-through entity's taxable income that is attributable to investment management services provided in Maryland.
Lead Sponsor: Senator Pinsky
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will impose a 17% State income tax on the distributive share or pro-rata share of a pass-through entity's taxable income that is attributable to investment management services provided in Maryland.
Transportation
House Bill 438: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority - Funding Formulas - Alteration (WMATA Dedicated Funding Amendment of 2022)
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Korman
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 463 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Feldman)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will modify the formula by which the State provides annual capital funding grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Korman
Cross-Filed Bill: Senate Bill 463 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Feldman)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will modify the formula by which the State provides annual capital funding grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Workforce
Senate Bill 275: Labor and Employment - Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program - Establishment (Time to Care Act of 2022)
Lead Sponsor: Senators Hayes and Benson
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 8 (Sponsor: Delegate Valderrama)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program that would provide up to 12 weeks of benefits to an individual taking leave due to personal and family reasons.
Lead Sponsor: Senators Hayes and Benson
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 8 (Sponsor: Delegate Valderrama)
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program that would provide up to 12 weeks of benefits to an individual taking leave due to personal and family reasons.
House Bill 496: Labor and Employment - Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program - Establishment
Lead Sponsor: Delegates Wilson, Valderrama, and Kelly
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program that would provide certain benefits to individuals who take leave from employment for certain purposes, establish the Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance in the Department to administer the Program, and establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund.
Lead Sponsor: Delegates Wilson, Valderrama, and Kelly
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: This bill will establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program that would provide certain benefits to individuals who take leave from employment for certain purposes, establish the Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance in the Department to administer the Program, and establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund.
Senate Bill 795: Community Colleges and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education - Funding
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Guzzone
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 1101 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Feldmark)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will increase the statutory funding percentages for the Senator John A. Cade and Jospeh A. Sellinger funding formulas beginning in Fiscal Year 2024.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Guzzone
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 1101 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Feldmark)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will increase the statutory funding percentages for the Senator John A. Cade and Jospeh A. Sellinger funding formulas beginning in Fiscal Year 2024.
Senate Bill 799: Community Colleges Tuition and Residency Waivers - Funding
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Guzzone
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 1102 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Feldmark)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require $10 million of annual funding, starting in Fiscal Year 2024, for the Maryland Higher Education Commission to fund State-mandated tuition and residency waivers for community colleges.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Guzzone
Cross-Filed Bill: House Bill 1102 (Lead Sponsor: Senator Feldmark)
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require $10 million of annual funding, starting in Fiscal Year 2024, for the Maryland Higher Education Commission to fund State-mandated tuition and residency waivers for community colleges.
House Bill 1446: Universities at Shady Grove Regional Higher Education Center - Workforce Development Programs - Funding
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require an appropriation of $5 million in Fiscal Yeas 2024 and 2025 for the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) Regional Higher Education Center, and will require the Center to use the funding to establish or support workforce development programs at the Center.
Lead Sponsor: Delegate Solomon
MCCC Position: Support
Summary: This bill will require an appropriation of $5 million in Fiscal Yeas 2024 and 2025 for the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) Regional Higher Education Center, and will require the Center to use the funding to establish or support workforce development programs at the Center.
Visit our 2021 State Legislation page for information regarding bills and policy positions from the 2021 Legislative Session.
2020-2022 Montgomery County Legislation
Information on the proposed vaccine passport mandate:
- Read: MCCC Testimony to the Montgomery County Council opposing this regulation.
- Read: MCCC's Statement of Opposition to Vaccine Passport Regulation in Montgomery County, Maryland
- Board of Health Regulation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the County, Vaccination Requirements to Enter Bars, Restaurants, Recreation Centers, and Other Covered Establishments
General Countywide Policy Positions
Budget
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FY23 Operating Budget and FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
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Watch MCCC's Testimony on the FY23 Budget
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- Read MCCC's testimony on the FY22 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Amendments.
Montgomery College East County Education Center
- The Montgomery County Council appropriated $1 million to fund the initial costs of the Montgomery College East County Education Center. MCCC sent a letter to the Council, recommending that the Council fully fund the project. This recommendation comes after Montgomery College completed a Feasibility Study in September 2019, to determine the potential of a fourth campus.
Planning Board
Planning Board Vacancies
- MCCC’s Infrastructure and Land Use Committee assessed the two candidates that the Montgomery County Council chose to interview for the vacancy on the Montgomery County Planning Board. After careful review in October 2021, MCCC sent a letter to the County Council recommending Carol Rubin. As part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Planning Board plays an integral role in determining Montgomery County’s business climate and economic activity.
- In May 2022, MCCC sent another letter to the County Council recommending Ms. Rubin to the Planning Board for a full term.
- In May 2022, MCCC sent another letter to the County Council recommending Ms. Rubin to the Planning Board for a full term.
Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan
- NEW! Read MCCC's January 17, 2022 letter to the County Council reiterating our support of the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan.
- Read MCCC's June 17, 2021 letter to the Montgomery County Council on the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan.
- The Montgomery County Planning Board held a public hearing on Thursday, November 19, 2020 regarding the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan.
- Read MCCC's testimony.
- Watch the public hearing.
19th Montgomery County Council
The 19th Montgomery County Council was sworn in on Monday, December 8, 2018.
Bill 13-22, Buildings - Comprehensive Building Decarbonization
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: Bill 13-22 will require the County Executive to issue all-electric building standards for new construction, major renovations, and additions by January 1, 2024
MCCC Position: Oppose
Summary: Bill 13-22 will require the County Executive to issue all-electric building standards for new construction, major renovations, and additions by January 1, 2024
Bill 44-21: Montgomery County Green Bank - Funding - Fuel-Energy Tax Revenue
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Hucker
MCCC Position: Support
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Hucker
MCCC Position: Support
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ZTA 21-09: Office and Professional - Biohealth Priority Campus
Lead Sponsors: Councilmember Friedson MCCC Position: Support |
Watch MCCC's Testimony
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Bill 42-21: Child Care - Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity - Established
Lead Sponsors: Council Vice President Albornoz, and Councilmembers Navarro and Rice MCCC Position: Support |
Watch MCCC's Testimony
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Bill 38-21: Economic Development Fund - Local Business Child Care Grant Program - Established
Lead Sponsors: Council Vice President Albornoz and Councilmember Navarro
MCCC Position: Support
Lead Sponsors: Council Vice President Albornoz and Councilmember Navarro
MCCC Position: Support
- Read MCCC's testimony
- Watch the joint press conference hosted at MCCC in 2020, including statements from Councilmembers Albornoz, Navarro, and Friedson, as well as Kathy Stevens from Montgomery Moving Forward.
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.
- Read MCCC's suggested amendments to this legislation.
- Read MCCC's letter.
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
- 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 22-01: Telecommunications Towers - Limited Use
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Support
Lead Sponsor: Councilmember Riemer
MCCC Position: Support
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 Property 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 Property 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.
