Brooklyn's Progress
March 2004

The Government Affairs Committee has had several planning meetings to identify and prioritize the Brooklyn Chamber's Agenda for Growth 2004.

The Agenda for Growth lays out issues to help make Brooklyn an even greater place to work and live.  Each year the document is updated in preparation for the Chamber’s advocacy meetings with elected and government officials from the city, state and federal levels.  The document looks at city, state and federal issues that affect businesses in Brooklyn – what existing legislation or regulations harm businesses and in what ways; what legislation or regulations would help start, retain and grow business in the borough; and how can government be more supportive of businesses. 

As part of the Brooklyn Chamber’s preparation for its advocacy agenda, all Chamber Members received the “2004 Chamber Member Issues Survey” in February.  The survey was compiled into two parts.  Part 1 required Chamber Members to rank specific issues that are obstacles to growth, from taxes to workforce development to insurance to real estate to government regulations to traffic.  Part 2 of the survey sought Chamber Members’ opinions on specific issues such as The Health Care Equity & Access Law (HEAL New York), legislative issues, local regulatory reform and general issues.   

HEAL New York is a proposal to tax businesses up to $3,000 per employee if they do not provide health insurance for their workers.  The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has gone on record saying “this would be a disaster for the business community and does nothing to address the rising costs of health care.”   

The information derived from the survey will help the Chamber prioritize its advocacy agenda.  Thanks to all Chamber Members who completed the survey. 

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee advocates on behalf of the Brooklyn business community about issues that will further the economic and business climate of the borough. The Committee also works to enhance the rapport between Brooklyn Chamber Members and public officials.  Elected officials are invited to attend the Committee’s monthly meetings to share their insight on what’s going on in government and to discuss issues of concern in their districts.