Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2008

BY ERIC HUEBSCHER
AND BRAD KORN

On May 14, the Government Affairs Committee of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce made its annual Washington, DC lobbying trip, joined by the Chamber Alliance of New York State (CANYS).

The Brooklyn Chamber was there to present its robust Federal Agenda for Growth that was developed from the annual Member Issues Survey of the 1,500 Member businesses across the borough.

For the first time in recent years, energy costs and their related issues ranked highest among the survey respondents, followed closely by the access and cost of healthcare, transportation improvements, workforce development and economic development.

The trip opened with a welcome luncheon and Washington update by Congressman Edolphus Towns. Over the course of the next two days, the Government Affairs Committee met with members of the Brooklyn delegation or their staff, including an in-person meeting with Senator Charles Schumer.

With energy such a pressing issue, the Brooklyn Chamber supported a proposal to adopt a comprehensive federal energy program to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil, a plan to develop and implement programs for the cleaner burning of coal and consider programs that would encourage the use of both wind and solar power. The group also stressed that the full impact of the high cost of fuel had not been felt by the consumer.

The cost and access to health care ranked high among the priorities of Brooklyn’s congressional delegation. House members expressed their concern and commitment to explore and implement constructive solutions to reduce costs and improve access. Of particular note was the Brooklyn Chamber’s Brooklyn HealthWorks program – an innovative and effective insurance plan offering low-cost healthcare to small business owners in the borough.

Richard Drucker of the Brooklyn Navy Yard articulated the importance of economic development to the delegation, and recommended an extension of the Economic Development Act (EDA). The need for expanded workforce development programs was also backed by members of the Brooklyn Chamber delegation.

In addition to the two co-chairs, the group included Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Carl Hum; Dean Mohs, executive director of Brooklyn Health Works; Carolyn Desalu, director of communications and Chamber Members Gil Cygler of All Car Rent A Car, Salvatore Scotto of Scotto Funeral Home, Mike Berman of Mike Berman Consulting, attorney Martin Gringer, Peter Meyer of TD Commerce Bank, Kaziem Woodbury of Red Hook Rise, and Mr. Drucker.

Mr. Hum expressed optimism and encouragement concerning the visit. 

“I think we had a great trip and were able to deliver our message for growth in an effective manner,” he said.

The authors are co-chairs of the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee. Mr. Huebscher is executive director of The I Doctor. Mr. Brad Korn is the corporate director of community affairs for Continuum Health Partners.