What Happened in D.C.?

By Sandra Jarrard, Public Policy Coordinator, GSI
May 14, 2010

The Eastern Washington/ Northern Idaho delegation traveled to Washington D.C. to present the Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho regional priorities. The regional priorities were developed in collaboration with Greater Spokane Incorporated, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the West Plains Chamber of Commerce, the Coeur d’ Alene Chamber of Commerce,  and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.  This year’s regional priorities included transportation, Health Education/ Health Care, Environment and Water Quality, Fairchild Air Force Base, and Small Business Capital Access.

Jobs and the economy are the main focus of congress.  Congressional representatives are working to introduce small business liability reform legislation, and legislation that will create jobs.  Our delegation met with members of congress, the Department of Commerce, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Our delegation relayed the messages that have been given to us by our members… the need for access to capital to start or grow an existing business.  We expressed the necessity for members of congress to endorse federal regulatory reform that will provide stability to the SBA Loan Program and legislation that will create access to capital.

The Department of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration is working to support two million jobs and double the amount of exports in the next two years.  This will be done by increasing governmental focus on the barriers that prevent U.S. companies from getting free and fair access to foreign markets.

At Greater Spokane Incorporated, we work with our federal lobbyist, members of congress, and governmental agencies to discuss the issues that are affecting our regional businesses.  Contact me at 509-321-3622 or via email at sjarrard@greaterspokane.org  for more information.