Q1 Federal Update

Photos courtesy of Chandler Chamber of Commerce

In the early hours of Tuesday, February 13th, the Senate took significant steps toward addressing our most urgent foreign policy concerns, which directly impact our domestic well-being, by approving a $95 billion emergency defense fund. Moreover, it provides resources to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and bolster U.S. defenses against Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea — funds vital for maintaining low inflation and stable consumer prices.

United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema spearheaded a comprehensive border security bill, aiming to address pressing issues at the southern border such as drug interdiction, illegal immigration, asylum requirements and migrant processing efficiency. Marketing the legislation as a “Bipartisan Border Security Package,” Sinema collaborated with senators from both parties to draft the legislation. Despite her bipartisan efforts, the bill currently faces opposition from some Republican counterparts and, so far, has failed to garner sufficient support for advancement in the Senate.

The stringent standards set by Speaker Johnson’s House underscore the significance of 169 Republicans joining Democrats in passing the “Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.” Aligned with its advocacy initiatives, the Chandler Chamber, together with coalition partners, endorsed this legislation and participated in an advocacy campaign alongside the Arizona Small Business Alliance. This legislation is meticulously designed to deliver essential relief to working families and small businesses while bolstering America’s competitiveness. 

The key provision of the bill allows businesses to immediately deduct their research and development expenses from their taxes, rather than spreading them out over time. This incentivizes companies to invest more in developing new products and enhancing existing ones. This not only fosters the creation of high-quality jobs in our area but also drives technological advancement, which ultimately bolsters the local economy. Moreover, this bill is complemented by a tax package aimed at expanding the child tax credit, potentially lifting an estimated 400,000 children out of poverty. With backing from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the passage of this legislation stands to be a significant victory for America’s businesses and communities.

On March 7th, President Joe Biden delivered his fourth State of the Union address, an event annually mandated by the U.S. Constitution. This requirement, outlined in Article II, Section 3, Clause 1, obligates the president to periodically inform Congress about the condition of the nation and propose any measures deemed necessary and advisable. During his address, President Biden emphasized initiatives aimed at revitalizing the economy, reforming immigration policies and enhancing workforce development. Additionally, he laid out plans for further investments in essential infrastructure, education and healthcare. 

Biden highlighted the benefits of the CHIPS Act, which provides substantial funding for new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the United States. This act notably benefits Intel’s Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona, which has positioned itself to receive billions in funding. This move is an effort to attract and develop businesses across various sectors, working in collaboration with all government levels to bolster Arizona’s economic growth.

The President is urging Congress to swiftly deliver the bipartisan border security bill to his desk for signing, marking a significant step toward enhancing the immigration system in the United States. This legislation entails crucial funding for comprehensive federal immigration reform, supporting law enforcement efforts and generating thousands of new job opportunities. Notably, the bill aims to fortify protection and enforcement measures at the border while facilitating trade and recreational travel processes.

President Biden unveiled a series of initiatives focused on enhancing early childhood education, which include funding for the public school system and universal Pre-K. During a roundtable discussion involving 182 CEOs, he emphasized the critical need for a highly educated workforce and reaffirmed his dedication to broadening access to education for all students. Additionally, the President introduced a program aimed at fostering connections between local businesses and high school students, providing them with real-world experience opportunities, regardless of their college plans.

In his concluding remarks, President Biden underscored the critical need for unity and bipartisanship to address pressing challenges, including inflation and the fortification of democracy. He concluded his speech with a call to action, reminding Americans of our collective strength when united, affirming that there has never been a challenge too great for us to surmount. 

Carly Wakefield is Chandler Chamber VP of workforce development & government relations.