Business leaders will have the chance Jan. 4 to bend the ears of political leaders and let them know what the top issues are for the upcoming state legislative session.
The Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce hosts its Legislative Agenda Unveiling and Delegation Updatefrom 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Loyola College Graduate Center at 2034 Greenspring Drive in Timonium.
Elected officials from Baltimore County will join state and federal legislators, who will hear from chamber officials and members what they think the Maryland General Assembly and Congress should address in 2007.
The Maryland General Assembly?s 90-day session begins Jan. 10 in Annapolis. The 110th Congress convenes on Jan. 4 in Washington.
“It is important to hear from businesses that are local as to what they think the problems are and what some of the solutions are,” said Delegate Dan Morhaim, a Democrat representing the state?s 11th District.
“Clearly, one [top priority] is rising health care costs, which needs a lot of attention,” he said. “Businesses also are interested in the fiscal health of the state and how we can continue to build on some of the efficiencies in government operations that we?ve put in place during the past four years.”
Megan Wilson, the Chamber?s director of government relations, said the upcoming comprehensive zoning map plan and school construction funding also are at the top of the priority list in Baltimore County.
Morhaim also said the state?s growing life-sciences industry needs to be viewed as an economic development opportunity in Maryland, much like Silicon Valley was for California during the proliferation of the personal computer industry.
“We need to make a conscious decision, and if we are going to become a major biotech center in the United State and the world, we should define ourselves that way,” he said.
The chamber?s event is sponsored by Verizon and Manekin Corp. Tickets are $25 for members and $50 for non-members. Call 410-825-0019 for more information.
