Accelerate January 2021 Magazine

JANUARY 2021 MAGAZINE 19 Every year, our policy committees convene with spirited discussion and respectful debate to list priorities and areas of focus for the upcoming year. Once approved in each of the individual committees, the Policy Board passes the priorities on to the Alliance's Board of Directors for final approval. It is a collective effort of business leaders from nearly every industry. It is an agenda built by the business community for the business community. It is your policy agenda. This year's priorities remain focused on wise investments and sustainable policies that foster economic growth and enhance our region’s competitiveness. Whether developing our workforce, modernizing our infrastructure or promoting government efficiencies, the Alliance will continue to work on your behalf at the local, county, state and federal levels to do the following: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1. Support liability protections for employers against frivolous lawsuits related to COVID-19, as well as other policies that facilitate a positive economic recovery and response to the pandemic. 2. Advocate for pro-business tax policies that allow Wisconsin to be competitive. 3. Advocate for a pro-business regulatory climate that allows Wisconsin companies to compete more successfully on national and international playing fields. 4. Promote the use and expansion of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an economic development tool for local municipalities. 5. Promote Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) programs to drive economic growth, such as business tax credits, training grants, opportunity zones, etc. 6. Promote policies and programs that increase exports and improve trade for Wisconsin businesses. 7. Support policies that help companies automate, adopt new technology and operate effectively in a digital economy. 8. Support entrepreneurship by connecting start-ups and early stage companies to resources such as Small Business Development Center (SBDC) services. 9. Serve as an advisor and advocate for the Waukesha County Center for Growth and promote the organization’s GROW Fund. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 1. Collaborate to find solutions to the shortage of housing in Waukesha County for workers and young families. 2. Identify and promote innovative employee retention solutions. 3. Support initiatives to attract, develop and retain diverse talent in Waukesha County. 4. Support programs that assist targeted populations to enter or re-enter the workforce. 5. Expand availability of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development training grants. 6. Advocate for the state’s apprenticeship program. EDUCATION 1. Support transferable credits among higher education institutions. 2. Advocate for effective and flexible programs to address the teacher shortage. 3. Support innovative and flexible programs that help students, parents and educators understand career opportunities and pathways. 4. Support expansion of innovative post-secondary academic offerings in Waukesha County and the region. 5. Advocate for increasing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education, including expansion of the Wisconsin’s Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program. 6. Expand school accountability beyond traditional measures to include workforce development outcomes. 7. Support collaboration among K-12 institutions to maximize course offerings and replicate best practices. 8. Promote expansion of youth apprenticeship, dual enrollment and other programs that help students obtain career skills and experience and/or receive higher education credits. 9. Advocate for policies that allow schools to remain agile and focus on the priorities listed above, COVER STORY