By all accounts, the 2015 legislative\u00a0session was one of the most\u00a0successful in GLI history. Of our\u00a0eight top priorities, we helped pass\u00a0significant legislation addressing\u00a0telecom reform, heroin abuse, and\u00a0stabilization of the road fund. Even\u00a0among our long-term priorities, there\u00a0was progress on early childhood\u00a0education and pension reform efforts.<\/p>\n
Many have heard me say it, but it continues to be true: GLI is back. Our successes in the 2015 legislature are attributable in no small part to our decision to make efficient and effective advocacy a priority. GLI added two new staff to the Advocacy Department in the last year, drastically increasing our visibility in Frankfort. We outlined specific policy priorities in the fall to ensure that legislators in Frankfort would know what Greater Louisville businesses need to thrive. Our members showed up and spoke out. We compounded our lobbying efforts with a robust grassroots advocacy campaign and served as a civic connector, bringing dozens of business leaders to Frankfort to engage in the debate.<\/p>\n
The proof is in the outcomes.\u00a0Critical legislation passed in 2015,\u00a0some of which has been held up\u00a0for years. Perhaps most crucially,\u00a0the legislature passed two pieces\u00a0of legislation for our infrastructure\u00a0and workforce. \u00a0Additionally, we saw\u00a0vital reforms made to Kentucky\u2019s\u00a0telecommunications laws and the\u00a0passage of intrastate crowdfunding.\u00a0Two long-term priorities also saw\u00a0movement with increased pension\u00a0accountability and transparency, and\u00a0a quality-based rating system for\u00a0childcare providers. Beyond these\u00a0big wins, however, there were some\u00a0sobering missed opportunities for\u00a0the business community in 2015.\u00a0Greater Louisville was hit especially\u00a0hard on three priorities: LIFT, Principal\u00a0Selection, and Incompatible Licenses.<\/p>\n
While we celebrate our successes and\u00a0the fruits of our increased advocacy\u00a0efforts in 2015, we never stop looking\u00a0forward. After all, there is no gain\u00a0without hard work. To this end, GLI\u00a0will continue to be the voice of the\u00a0Greater Louisville business community\u00a0in Frankfort.<\/p>\n