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2007 Position Statements
CPS Energy Nuclear Generation
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports CPS Energy's plan to diversify its sustainable, long-term energy supply through the increased development of additional nuclear energy options in order to satisfy our area's future electrical needs. The Chamber supported CPS Energy's development of the initial nuclear plant, and commends the plant for its reputation for outstanding fiscal management, safety and reliability. Furthermore, The Chamber urges CPS Energy to proceed in a fiscally responsible manner,
while maintaining one of the lowest utility rates in Texas and without adversely affecting the revenue stream to the City Budget.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 10-25-2007
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UTSA Funding for Athletic Fields
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports UTSA's efforts to move to Division 1A intercollegiate athletics and therefore supports the fund raising campaign for improvement of current facilities and construction of a new athletic complex.
Submitted By: NFL/UTSA Football Task Force
Approval Date: 10-25-2007
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2007 Proposed Texas Constitutional Amendments
There are 16 proposed Constitutional amendments on the November 6, 2007 Texas ballot. The Chamber specifically supports propositions 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 15, which have a more significant impact on San Antonio. The Chamber believes the passage of these amendments will benefit the citizens of San Antonio by: 1) increasing access to higher education; 2) funding needed state Agency projects; 3) assisting small businesses and veterans through tax exemptions 4) funding highway improvement projects; and 5) bringing
Texas to the forefront nationally in the fight against cancer.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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Downtown Parking Study
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed Parking Management Program to create a long-term strategy for the City’s parking operations in the best interest of the downtown residents, businesses, and visitors.
Submitted By: Area Business Councils / Small Business
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF)
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce endorses and supports the construction of the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in San Antonio. The Greater Chamber believes San Antonio has the necessary biomedical infrastructure to house this research and development laboratory that will help protect our nation's agriculture and food systems against diseases, pests, or poisonous agents that occur naturally, unintentionally, or intentionally by deliberate acts of terrorists.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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National Trauma Institute Initiative
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the establishment and funding of the National Trauma Institute (NTI), a consortium of civilian and Department of Defense research centers, to develop, evaluate and rapidly implement revolutionary technologies that will improve the quality of medical care provided to people with traumatic injuries.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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Non-Conversion of Existing Highway Lanes
The Chamber supports local control of toll revenues collected to finance the construction and maintenance of net new lanes for additional highway capacity in Bexar County. At this time, The Chamber supports U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, the Bexar County Commissioner’s Court and the Alamo RMA Board in opposing the tolling of existing interstate highway lanes and/or a reduction in the current number of non-tolled highway lanes.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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Patient Care Access at Rehab Hospitals
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports federal legislation, H.R.1459 and S.543, which would preserve patients’ access to inpatient rehabilitation services at hospitals facilities and reduce the negative effects that a federal regulation, commonly known as the “75% Rule,” is having on inpatient rehabilitation care.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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SAISD Tax Rate Election
The Chamber supports the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) Board in its decision to set its operating tax rate at $1.17 for 2008, above the state rollback rate of $1.04, understanding that this will require the District to hold an election for voter approval. The Chamber’s support is strongly contingent upon the District’s plan to cut costs and consider appropriate consolidation of schools in areas of facilities and administrative staffing so that the tax dollars are maximized towards
educational excellence. With the unique financial challenges SAISD faces, The Chamber believes the adjustment in the operating tax rate, along with cost-cutting measures, are necessary for the sustainability of the District in order for it to adequately prepare students to enter higher education institutions and the workforce.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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Somerset ISD and Harlandale ISD Tax Rate Elections
The Chamber supports the Somerset and Harlandale Independent School District Boards in their decisions to set their operating tax rates at $1.17 with the understanding that this will require each District to hold an election for voter approval. The Chamber’s support is contingent upon the Districts’ continued efforts to cut costs so that the tax dollars are maximized towards educational excellence and maintaining a reserve fund that is in compliance with state expectations. The Chamber believes that
public schools need adequate financial recourses to prepare students to enter higher education institutions and the workforce. The Chamber’s support is also contingent upon the Districts’ establishment of community oversight committees to oversee the implementation of cost-cutting measures so that the new tax dollars are maximized towards educational excellence and the stabilization of their reserve funds.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 09-27-2007
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2008 City Budget
The Chamber supports the City Manager's proposed City Budget that maximizes resources to satisfy the City's basic needs. The City should continue its efforts to be fiscally responsible and focus on basic services. We concur with the City Manager's recommendations to: 1) decrease the ad valorem tax rate by 0.624 cents; 2) increase the reserve fund to 8 percent and 3) add $40 million in basic City service enhancements. Lastly, The Chamber encourages the City’s continued long-range planning for growth and
infrastructure for our community.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 08-23-2007
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Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce endorses the State Constitutional Amendment to grant the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas the authority to issue $3 billion in general obligation bonds, up to $300 million per year, to substantially increase cancer research in Texas. The Chamber believes this money will help push Texas, and San Antonio, toward the forefront nationally in the fight against cancer.
Submitted By: Economic Development Council
Approval Date: 08-23-2007
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City of San Antonio (COSA) Industry Development Division
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the City of San Antonio’s efforts to retain local businesses through the new Business Retention Program of their Industry Development Division. The Chamber believes this initiative will help create a business friendly environment, establish a pro-business reputation for the city and have a positive effect on business retention in San Antonio. Furthermore, The Chamber believes this effort could be more effective if local business leaders participate in
the visits and The Chamber is included as a partner.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 08-23-2007
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Returning Heroes Home
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce endorses the fundraising efforts and construction of the Returning Heroes Home (RHH) as the replacement for the existing Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) at Fort Sam Houston. The Chamber believes the RHH will provide a home-like environment where America’s wounded warriors and their families can heal, rest, and recover while receiving state of the art treatment and rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and the Center for the Intrepid.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 06-28-2007
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Perimeter Rule
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the request to secure a change in the Reagan National Airport (DCA) Perimeter Rule. We believe the rule should be extended from the current 1,250 statute mile limit to 1,600 miles. This change would address the increased demand of business and military communities who need access to nonstop flights between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and DCA.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 06-28-2007
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2007 Education Legislation
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports a comprehensive review of the public education accountability system. The Greater Chamber has a longstanding record of support for public education and for additional funding for the ongoing needs and continued growth of our local school districts. We support the Governor's Business Council's Excellence in the Classroom recommendations to improve teacher effectiveness through professional development and appropriate incentives. We also support the Raise Your
Hand Texas commitment to supporting public schools, teachers and funding early childhood education programs. We encourage the leadership of the two initiatives to work together with the Legislature and establish an interim Blue Ribbon Task Force to identify the desired outcomes of public education and comprehensively review the educational quality, fiscal demands, accountability requirements and human resource needs of our current education system.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 05-24-2007
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Capital Campaign for the Alamo
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the $60 million capital campaign and expansion plans for the Alamo, to enhance the grounds, build new facilities and offer additional visitor attractions at the most popular tourist destination in Texas.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 05-24-2007
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Bexar Met Legislation
The Chamber supports Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff’s efforts to secure state legislation to enable the Bexar Metropolitan Water District to be governed by the Bexar County Commissioners Court. We believe that the Bexar County Commissioners Court will ensure that Bexar Met customers are provided a safe, reliable and long-term source of water. We believe that this change will allow San Antonio and the Bexar County region to develop a consistent and comprehensive water supply/delivery strategy that will
contribute to economic growth and development. We also believe it will help ensure Bexar County citizens water rates that are uniform and cost effective.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 04-26-2007
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Funding for Job Training Programs
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce applauds the efforts of Alamo WorkSource, Project QUEST and other agencies that provide job training services in San Antonio. While The Chamber is not in a position to judge specific funding levels for job training agencies, we respect government authorities making the best decision based on the overall needs of our community. As the City and County considers funding requests, The Chamber would support a competitive bid process that takes into account the challenges
associated with this work, the impact these agencies have had on employment and whether or not the agencies have historically met their job training goals. The Chamber understands that it is the goal of Bexar County and the City of San Antonio to have all agencies receiving public funding become self sufficient.
Submitted By: Economic Development
Approval Date: 04-26-2007
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South San Antonio Independent School District Bond Initiative
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the $37.2 million bond initiative for the South San Antonio Independent School District (SSAISD). The Chamber believes passage of the 2007 bond initiative is necessary to address the district’s maintenance needs. The Chamber strongly urges the use of local businesses and professional firms in the execution of the bond projects. The Chamber also recommends that SSAISD maintain accountability through the creation of a Bond Oversight Committee.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 04-26-2007
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2007 Membership Application Fee
The Chamber supports and endorses the 2007 Membership Application Processing Fee of $50.
Submitted By: Membership Resources
Approval Date: 03-22-2007
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Area Business Councils/Small Business Council Name Change
The Area Business Councils/ Small Business Council will be renamed the Area Business Councils.
Submitted By: Area Business Councils / Small Business Council
Approval Date: 03-22-2007
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North East Independent School District Bond Initiative
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the $498 million bond initiative for the North East Independent School District (NEISD). The Chamber believes passage of the 2007 bond initiative is necessary to address the district’s enrollment growth. The Chamber strongly urges the use of local businesses and professional firms in the execution of the bond projects. Chamber also recommends that the district provide periodic accountability reports on the bond implementation to the NEISD Facility Study
Committee and the community at-large.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 03-22-2007
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Northside Independent School District Bond Initiative
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the $692 million bond initiative for the Northside Independent School District (NISD). The Chamber believes passage of the 2007 bond initiative is needed to provide adequate facilities and equipment to accommodate NISD’s extraordinary student growth. The Chamber strongly urges the use of local businesses and professional firms in the execution of the bond projects. The Chamber also urges NISD to maintain accountability through the existing NISD Bond Oversight
Committee.
Submitted By: Public Affairs
Approval Date: 03-22-2007
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2007-2012 City Bond Project
The Chamber supports and endorses the 2007-2012 bond package. The Chamber has a longstanding history of support for bond issues based on sound staff analysis. We commend the Mayor and City Council on the citywide approach and inclusion of citizen input and recommendations to identify the City's prioritized needs. The Chamber urges the Mayor and City Council to maintain accountability through the utilization of existing City County Citizen Bond Oversight Commission. Lastly, The Chamber looks forward to being a
partner in the campaign to pass this historic bond issue that we believe will be a milestone for the future of San Antonio.
Submitted By: Public Affairs Council
Approval Date: 02-22-2007
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Regional Sportsplex and Special Needs Park
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the allocation of both public and private community resources to the proposed 225 acre Regional Sportsplex and Special Needs Park.
Submitted By: Area Business Councils / Small Business Council
Approval Date: 02-22-2007
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UTSA Athletic Complex
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the University of Texas at San Antonio in its efforts to move toward tier one status by improving UTSA both academically and athletically, thereby providing more access for students in our region and enhancing its nationwide reputation. The Chamber further supports UTSA’s request for maintaining the $5.55 million allocation recommended by the Community Initiatives Committee with regard to the $550 million City of San Antonio bond election, scheduled for
May 12, 2007, to begin work on a Competitive Athletic Park (CAP).
Submitted By: NFL-UTSA Football Task Force (Communications)
Approval Date: 02-15-2007
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Alamo Regional Mobility Authority
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority’s current efforts to address the transportation needs of our community through toll projects and other funding mechanisms being developed by the Texas Department of Transportation that may ultimately be transferred to the Alamo RMA. We also commend the Alamo RMA’s effort to reach out to community by hosting a series of transportation financing workshops.
Submitted By: Public Affairs Council Steering Committee
Approval Date: 01-25-2007
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Witte Museum Expansion
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the renovation and expansion plans for the Witte Museum. We believe this project will increase its daily visitor capacity and provide additional arts and cultural offerings to local residents and visitors to our city.
Submitted By: Area Business Councils Steering Committee
Approval Date: 01-25-2007
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