The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, through its government affairs department, plays an active and important role in protecting the pro-business climate in Southern Nevada. By driving public policy on behalf of the business community at the state, local and federal levels, the government affairs department represents your interests in the halls of government and is a critical part of your Chamber membership.
May 19, 2010: Today, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee announced its endorsement of several candidates in state and local races.
"The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse these candidates who have each made a commitment to working to preserve the pro-business environment that is vitally important to rebuilding our economy. It is essential that we elect candidates who will listen to the business community and understand the impact proposed legislation can have on already struggling businesses," says Hugh Anderson, chairman of the Chamber's Government Affairs committee.
The complete list of endorsed candidates as of August 9, 2010 include:
Brian Sandoval (R)
Brian Krolicki (R)
Ross Miller (D)
Catherine Cortez Masto (D)
James Settelmeyer (R) – Capital District
Mo Denis (D) – 2
Ben Kieckhefer (R) – 4
Barbara Cegavske (R) – 8
Ruben Kihuen (D) – 10
Joe Hardy (R) – 12
Marilyn Kirkpatrick (D) – 1
John Hambrick (R) – 2
Richard McArthur (R) – 4
Marilyn Dondero Loop (D) – 5
Harvey Munford (D) – 6
Jason Frierson (D) – 8
Scott Hammond (R) – 13
Kelvin Atkinson (D) – 17
Ellen Spiegel (D) – 21
Lynn Stewart (R) – 22
Melissa Woodbury (R) – 23
Randy Kirner (R) – 26
Debbie Smith (D) – 30
Jodi Stephens (R) – 32
William Horne (D) – 34
Pete Goicoechea (R) – 35
Ed Goedhart (R) – 36
Marcus Conklin (D) – 37
Tom Grady (R) – 38
Pete Livermore (R) - 40
Irene Bustamante Adams (D) – 42
Question 1: Vote "Yes"
The Chamber counts on the active support of members to drive our pro-business political endeavors. Your engagement is critical in enabling the Chamber to help protect your bottom line. Through the Chamber's Advocacy in Action program, members are updated with the latest developments on key issues and mobilized when legislation affecting business comes before various decision-makers. The goal of the Chamber's grassroots program is to influence policy decisions by allowing our members' voices to be heard.
The Chamber's government affairs department works tirelessly to allow your business to continue taking advantage of Nevada's pro-business environment. In 2009 the Chamber's advocacy efforts defeated countless anti-business legislation and passed numerous pro-business bills into law. Click here to view the accomplishments achieved at this year's session that directly impact business.
Key Legislative Dates
• Modified Business Tax (MBT or Payroll) decreases to 0.50% for first $250,000 of payroll ($62,500 base per quarter)
o Note: Sunsets on June 30, 2011
• Modified Business Tax (MBT or Payroll) increases to 1.17% for all payroll over first $250,000 per year (over $62,500 each quarter)
o Note: Sunsets on June 30, 2011
• Business License Fee doubles from $100 to $200 per year.
o Note: Sunsets on June 30, 2011
• Sales and Use Tax increases 0.35%.
o Note: Sunsets on June 30, 2011
• Starting on August 14, 2009 date, businesses with 50 or more employers will be required to grant 4 hours of unpaid leave to parents, guardians or custodians of children to participate in certain school activities. The time must be mutually agreed upon between the employer and the employee, with 5 days notice.
• On September 1, 2009 registration fees on vehicles older than 9 years increases from $6 to $16, and reduces the amount of depreciation allowed on such vehicles.
JANUARY 1, 2011
• Certain health care plans and policies of insurance will be required to provide coverage for autism screening and treatment as of this date.
Invest in your business' future by investing in BIZ PAC. The Chamber's political action committee is dedicated to supporting candidates and initiatives the support and grow a strong local economy.
The Chamber commissioned a series of reports by Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis and Guy Hobbs of Hobbs, Ong & Associates to help determine where taxpayer dollars are currently being spent and to provide a factual foundation from which the Chamber can make informed public policy recommendations.
More Chamber: 
6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 641-5822 Info Center (702) 735-1616 Fax: (702) 735-0406