Legislative Agenda

Throughout the past year, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce has been frequently called on to weigh in on important issues at all levels of government.  While these positions have been taken on a case by case basis, it has always been with the betterment of the business community in mind.  In an effort to keep the Western New York business community at the forefront of our elected official's minds, the Chamber has decided to once again publish a legislative agenda.

Our Public Affairs Council has spent the past three months developing and finalizing an in-depth agenda to guide our public policy recommendations in 2011.  Positions have been taken at all levels of government including the federal, state, regional and town. 

The 2011 Legislative Agenda will be unveiled at the 2011 Annual Luncheon, which is being presented by the Chamber's Public Affairs Council this year.  Also at the luncheon will be the induction of the 2011 Board of Directors and Officers.  Additionally, Town of Amherst Supervisor Barry Weinstein will present the State of the Town Address.

Never before in the 63 year history of the Chamber has public policy had such a profound impact on our members.  At the Federal level we have Health Care Reform that promises to change the way we receive and utilize health benefits.  We are also dealing with a huge deficit that will challenge our region as we face significant cutbacks in funding allocations.

We have a new Governor in the State of New York and we hope to work closely with him and his administration and our Western New York delegation in an effort to both curtail state spending and insure that the private sector business community benefits from public policy alterations that limit fees and the cost of doing business. 

Erie County will have less legislative representation as a result of the November referendum that downsizes the County Legislature but with our close working relationship with our Legislators and the County Executive, we expect to have impact on how our tax dollars are allocated.

The Amherst Town Board will also decrease in size, however, given our relationship with the Board; individually and collectively, we believe we will continue to influence their leadership, insuring our interests and positions are considered.

The leadership of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce recognizes that many of our members are struggling to grow and prosper and looks to us to provide leadership relative to legislation and public policy at all levels of government.  We will continue to represent you and communicate with you as issues become actionable.  But, we need you to weigh in on issues and join us as we take group action to make sure our voice and clout is recognized.  Please reach out to ccampbell@amherst.org or cdipirro@amherst.org if you would like more information on our Legislative Agenda or if you would like to participate on our Public Affairs Council.