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Week 7 Legislative Update
Despite the week beginning with a holiday and being interrupted by snow, it has turned out to be a busy one in Annapolis.
Here are a few of the pieces of legislation our Legislative Affairs Committee has been following and acting upon this week.
MTA and Insurance
Earlier this week, the Howard County Chamber submitted written testimony on HB 566 / SB 862 in support of small businesses seeking to conduct business with the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA).
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Small Cells Technologies
As consumers use their mobile devices more than ever to connect to the world around them, the telecommunications industry is seeking new and innovative ways to enhance mobile networks. These networks need to be prepared to meet the increasing demand for mobile data, they must be prepared for the next generation of technologies- such as 5G, Smart Cities and the Internet of Things (IoT). As a result, the Howard County Chamber issued written testimony in support of House Bill 654, which promotes investment in Maryland's mobile broadband infrastructure.
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Fight Against $15 Continues
The Minimum Wage debate continues this week as the Senate Finance Committee hears testimony on the proposed legislation. The Chamber, alongside other opponents, continue to share their concerns, as we agree it would be a policy that hinders economic development, competitiveness, small business growth, and employment opportunities for the underemployed. Besides testifying at the Senate Finance Committee hearing, the Chamber and a group of members met with Delegate Courtney Watson of the Economic Matters Committee to share our concerns. The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of the time afforded to them by Delegate Watson.
Wage History and Range
The debate for $15 is capturing the headlines, but other labor and employment legislation continues to be introduced. The Chamber will be submitting written testimony on HB 634 - Wage History and Wage Range legislation which, if passed, would prohibit employers from asking job applicants their previous salary and wage history.
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Local Legislation Update
The Howard County Legislative Delegation met earlier this week to discuss Development Surcharge. At the center of the discussion is whether or not to increase the surcharge from $1.32 to $4. The delegation held a lengthy debate, ultimately
voting to the make the bill enabling legislation, which would allow the County Council to set the fee schedule. Also discussed was another amendment that would make $1.32 the floor in perpetuity, but allow the council to increase or decrease, as the needs dictate. To view the discussion in its entirety, visit
www.facebook.com/HowardCountyDelegation/
.
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Got Questions About the Legislative Process?
Our partners in the Maryland Chamber Federation at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce have put together a helpful
"2019 Advocacy Handbook" to guide you through the steps of the legislative process and understand more about how the Chamber is working for you as the voice of business.
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March 6 - YPN Mixer at Main Event
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2019 ANNUAL CHAMBER PARTNERS
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Strategic Alliance Partner
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During this month of love, we want to share the love with our new members this week!
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In honor of our 50th Anniversary Year, we will be recognizing some of our original members throughout the year in this section of the newsletter!
- Mullen, Sondberg, Wimbish & Stone, P.A. - 15 YEARS
- The Horizon Foundation of Howard County - 14 YEARS
- Inner Arbor Trust, Inc. - 4 YEARS
- COSMO, Inc. - 1 YEAR
- Right At Home In-Home Care and Assistance - 1 YEAR
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Andra Cain Graduates Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
Congratulations to Andra Cain, President of Cain Contracting, Inc. & Reliable-Cain Contracting, for completing the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
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Union Home Mortgage Ribbon Cutting Set
Come celebrate one of our newest members, Union Home Mortgage, at a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening event.
February 21, 2019 - 3 - 5PM
Union Home Mortgage
8840 Stanford Blvd, Suite 3100
Columbia, MD 21045
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Symphony Woods Bridge is Coming
Our partners at The Howard Hughes Corporation have just sent us an update on the Symphony Woods Bridge, saying "be on the lookout March 5-7, when the bridge will be delivered in pieces via trailers escorted by the Maryland State Police. Six short closures, four on March 5 and 6 and two on the morning of March 7, are expected on South Entrance Road while trailers back up Symphony Woods Road.
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Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund Announced
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has just announced the creation of the Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund (OWIF). the OWIF will support local organizations developing innovative solutions that lead to improved employment outcomes for individuals and businesses who have been impacted by the opioid crisis.
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Leadership Howard County Project - Mediation & Conflict Resolution Center Survey
One of the projects currently underway at Leadership Howard County (LHC), is surveying Howard County residents and organizations to identify the need for affordable mediation services for co-parenting.
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Consumer Protection Forum with Senator Van Hollen and Attorney General Brian Frosh
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection for a discussion focused on your rights as a consumer.
February 28, 2019 - 6:30 - 8:30PM
North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road
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