Federal Priorities

As Utah’s economy continues to lead the nation, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the key issues that impact our businesses and communities. With recent developments, particularly the end of the Chevron Deference ruling, it is crucial that we collaborate with our elected officials to ensure that our priorities are well-represented at the federal level. 

One of the most significant challenges businesses face is regulatory compliance. With the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Chevron Deference, federal agencies will no longer have the final say on interpretations of federal regulations. This new precedent will provide uniformity and consistency, allowing businesses to plan for their future with greater confidence. As we enter this new era, we must work with our legislators to promote policies that streamline regulations, reduce unnecessary burdens and foster an environment where businesses can thrive. Simplified regulations will not only reduce costs but also enhance efficiency and innovation. 

In an increasingly interconnected world, maintaining the competitiveness of our businesses is paramount. This involves advocating for policies that support innovation, investment in infrastructure, and workforce development. We must also champion fair trade practices and market access to ensure that our businesses can compete effectively both nationally and internationally while protecting our markets from imported goods that evade trade and duties requirements. 

Labor is extremely limited, and businesses are paying a premium because of that. We need actionable solutions to our immigration problem. Our immigrant workforce contributes significantly to various Utah industries, ranging from tourism to agriculture to specialized skilled labor. We need immigration solutions that are in the public’s best interest but also fill critical gaps in our workforce. 

We urge all members of the Salt Lake Chamber to stay informed and actively participate in these advocacy efforts. By working together, we can create a thriving business environment that benefits not only our members but also the broader community. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared mission. 

Improving access to capital for small businesses is crucial for fostering growth, innovation and job creation in Utah. It enhances business resilience, supports entrepreneurship, strengthens local economies and promotes equity. By ensuring that small businesses have the financial resources they need, Utah can stimulate economic development, encourage a vibrant business ecosystem and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive community.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Pass legislation to reduce regulatory burdens on banks and financial institutions, making it easier for them to lend to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

  • Introduce or expand tax incentives that encourage business investment, such as accelerated depreciation, investment tax credits or interest deductibility on loans for capital investments.

  • Support the development and expansion of alternative financing options, such as public-private partnerships, peer-to-peer lending platforms and crowdfunding for businesses.

The Colorado River Compact, signed in 1922, is the fundamental agreement that allocates water from the Colorado River among seven western states, including Utah, and Mexico. This compact is vital for ensuring Utah’s access to water, which supports the state’s agriculture, industry, and growing communities. With increasing demands on this critical resource, the compact is essential for all Utahns who rely on stable water supplies for economic growth and sustainability.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Support legislation that reinforces state sovereignty over water resources, allowing Utah to take the lead in managing its share of the Colorado River.
  • Push for federal investment in water infrastructure projects that benefit Utah, such as water storage, conveyance systems and efficiency improvements.
  • Facilitate the development of collaborative water-sharing agreements between states that are part of the Colorado River Compact.
  • Protect and, if necessary, renegotiate Utah’s allocation of water under the Colorado River Compact to ensure that the state’s growing population and economy have access to the water they need.

Strengthening education and workforce development initiatives is crucial for Utah businesses to meet talent needs, enhance competitiveness, drive economic growth and address skill gaps. By investing in these areas, Utah can build a skilled, adaptable and innovative workforce that supports business success and contributes to a prosperous and resilient economy.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Support legislation that expands the eligibility of Pell Grants to include short-term trade and certification programs, especially those under 600 hours.
  • Advocate for tax credits or incentives for businesses that provide on-site child care or partner with local child care providers.
  • Promote and fund returnship programs by offering tax incentives to companies that create structured return-to-work programs for individuals re-entering the workforce after an extended absence.
  • Support skill development and accessibility by endorsing initiatives that promote innovation and skill development such as partnerships between educational institutions and businesses, apprenticeships and vocational training programs.
  • Advocate for federal funding aligning with strategies for workforce development in critical sectors like AI. By aligning funding with strategic workforce development goals, Congress can help address skill gaps and support the growth of cutting-edge sectors.

Utahns are facing significant challenges as housing prices continue to rise, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many. As the demand for affordable housing grows, the need for comprehensive solutions becomes more urgent.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Enact key provisions from the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act in future legislation. Specifically, expanding 9 percent Housing Credit authority by 50% and reducing the tax-exempt private activity bond threshold from 50% to 25%.
  • Modernize the Mortgage Revenue Bond program by enacting the Affordable Housing Bond Enhancement Act to help first time low- and moderate-income homebuyers attain lower rate mortgages they can afford.

Congressional support for an immigrant workforce is crucial for sustaining economic growth and addressing labor shortages in critical industries. By enacting policies that provide stability and opportunities for immigrants, Congress can help ensure businesses have access to a dependable and skilled workforce. This not only drives innovation and competitiveness but also strengthens the broader economy by filling critical gaps in the labor market.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Advocate for an immigration system that prioritizes skilled workers to ensure that the U.S. attracts top talent to meet the needs of businesses, especially in tech, health care and other high-demand sectors.
  • Support the expansion of visa programs like the H-1B for skilled workers or the
    H- 2A and H-2B for seasonal agricultural and non-agricultural workers to help fill labor shortages. Ensuring these programs are streamlined and efficient benefits businesses while maintaining a controlled immigration process.
  • Strengthen border security to prevent illegal immigration and streamline legal immigration processes, ensuring businesses have access to necessary labor while addressing security concerns.

Mitigating the impact of excessive federal regulations is vital for fostering a thriving business environment in Utah. It enables businesses to operate more efficiently, compete effectively, create jobs, innovate, attract investment and reduce administrative burdens — all of which contribute to a stronger and more resilient economy.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Take actions to limit federal agency overreach, ensuring that agencies operate within their intended scope, respect the balance of power and do not impose unnecessary burdens on businesses and the economy.
  • Advocate for a streamlined regulatory process to reduce the burden on businesses by pushing for reforms that simplify and expedite regulatory procedures, making it easier for businesses to comply with federal requirements.
  • Foster a culture of regulatory innovation by promoting initiatives that encourage businesses to test new ideas and technologies in a controlled environment, providing valuable insights for developing effective regulations that support innovation.

The national debt is currently disrupting economic growth by driving up interest rates and making borrowing more expensive for businesses and consumers. This slows innovation, reduces investment and hampers job creation. The government’s need to service its debt diverts funds from essential public investments, further constraining growth. Additionally, the rising debt erodes investor confidence and weakens the government’s ability to respond to economic challenges, making it a pressing issue that threatens the economy’s stability and vitality.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Take action by pursuing a comprehensive strategy that includes entitlement reform, tax reform, spending cuts, economic growth policies and enhanced efficiency in government operations.
  • Promote public-private partnerships to invest in infrastructure projects, reducing the need for direct government spending while improving the nation’s infrastructure.

Addressing ongoing supply chain challenges is crucial
for Utah businesses to ensure operational continuity, manage costs, enhance customer satisfaction and support economic resilience. By effectively tackling these issues, businesses can improve their competitiveness, facilitate growth and contribute to a stable and thriving local economy. These measures will help reduce the economic burden on American businesses, enhance global competitiveness and ensure that trade policies are fair, balanced and effective in supporting U.S. economic growth.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Pass legislation to review and adjust existing tariffs that are deemed overburdensome or counterproductive to U.S. economic interests.
  • Reform anti-dumping and countervailing duty (CVD) measures to ensure they are applied fairly and only when necessary to protect domestic industries from genuine harm.
  • Amend the de minimis rule, which currently allows goods valued under a certain threshold (currently $800) to enter the U.S. without being subject to tariffs or taxes. China is undermining industry by exploiting loopholes and partner countries to bypass tariffs and regulations, triggering countermeasures that harm our industries. While these actions take years to address, China continues to gain an advantage, exploiting our enforcement gaps and incentivizing others to bypass the rules as well.
  • Advocate for comprehensive strategies in bills like the FARM Bill to enhance supply chain resilience by supporting and advancing comprehensive legislative strategies that address various aspects of supply chain resilience.

Ensuring stable and predictable tax policies is essential for businesses in Utah to facilitate effective financial planning, boost investor confidence, attract and retain investment, maintain a competitive advantage, manage costs and support long-term growth. By fostering a stable tax environment, Utah can enhance economic stability and create a favorable climate for business development and success.

We Call Upon Congress to:

  • Simplify the federal tax code to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens on businesses.
  • Support American innovation and Research & Development (R&D) competitiveness by making key tax incentives, such as the full expensing of capital investments and R&D tax credit, permanent.
  • Establish and fund resources that help businesses in understanding and adapting to evolving tax laws. This includes providing clear guidance, educational materials and access to expert advice on how to leverage tax benefits and comply with new regulations.

Federal Priorities Guide