Local Issues:
2007:  Support the passage of the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum scheduled for a vote on September 18, 2007.

2007 State Issues:
Minimum Wage:  The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce opposes an increase in the proposed minimum wage.

"Firearms in the Parking Lot":  The Chamber opposes any attempts to pass a law requiring private property owners and employers to permit firearms on their premises.  HB 143 and SB 43.

Ad Valorem Tax:  The Chamber opposes HB 124 because of the loss of revenue to the local governments and lack of defined alternative revenue to replace the significant reduction in tax generated by the exemption.

Sales Tax Exemption:  The Chamber supports HB 227 which would exempt the sales tax on all machinery and equipment that is necessary and integral to the manufacturing process.  Furthermore, the Chamber supports HB 272 which would provide a phased-in elimination of the sales tax on energy used in the manufacturing process.

Charter Systems Act:  The Chamber supports SB 39 which would allow for schools and school systems to establish charter schools to give them flexibility to tailor their educational programs to meet their local needs.

HOPE Scholarships:  The Chamber is opposed to HB 228 in its current form.  This bill relates to HOPE scholarships and grants and removes the hourly caps on HOPE scholarships.  The Chamber could support the bill if there was a language change putting a cap in place so that it is not unlimited.

Drug Free Workplace:  The Chamber supports SB 96 which allows employers to conduct on-site drug testing and use of oral testing.

2007 Federal Issues:
Employee Free Choice Act:  The Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce is opposed to H. R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act.  This bill would eliminate secret ballot elections in employee union authorizations.  The Chamber supports protecting employee rights with the integrity of a secret ballot.