GCP Members Recommend 2019-2020 Advocacy Priorities

CLEVELAND, Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) released its nonpartisan 2019 – 2020 Public Policy Agenda today, a guide that outlines the top policy priorities of its members for the next two years. 

The latest installment of the GCP Public Policy Agenda reflects shared issues that are of greatest importance to more than 11,000 diverse GCP organizations – made up of global corporations to middle-market companies to local entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Greater Cleveland.  

As the business community's primary private economic development platform, GCP launched the forwardCLE Strategic Plan in 2018.  In order to succeed, forwardCLE must be adequately supported by an integrated, aggressive GCP Public Policy Advocacy Agenda – constructed by and for our members – and it will adapt as needed.

"Our sheer numbers offer all GCP members the chance to have a powerful, collective voice," said Scott Chaikin, Executive Chairman of Dix & Eaton and Chair of GCP's Board of Directors.  "It is our members' non-partisan, tested, savvy views and experiences that build trust with policymakers – translating into meaningful advocacy results for the advancement of our region."

GCP releases a member-driven public policy agenda every two years, sequenced with new U.S. Congressional and Ohio General Assembly cycles.  Growth and innovation is the theme of the GCP agenda and it will require a continued focus on fundamental priorities: 

1.) An Adaptable Government & Public Sector 
2.) A Sustainable & Predictable Tax & Regulatory Environment 
3.) Talent Development & Retention to Advance Business Growth  

Forging an inclusive and equitable region will continue to be a critical part of the initiatives GCP engages in throughout each overarching category.  

GCP President and CEO Joe Roman stated, "In unveiling the 2019 – 2020 GCP Public Policy Agenda, this document identifies barriers and proposes some familiar and some less familiar solutions in support of the business community and their employees to bolster weak links and allow for a burgeoning economy.  A commitment to diversity is a necessary, fundamental part of each initiative." 

Some of the signature policy positions include:

• Protect and renew the Ohio Third Frontier program and more closely align it with JobsOhio.
• Restore state general revenue funding for public transit.
• Expand the Ohio Common Sense Initiative (CSI) with proper legislative oversight.
• Create a statewide Opportunity Zone to complement the federal program in underserved communities.
• Support the scale and growth of industry sector partnerships.
• Review the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) programs for necessary legislative and regulatory reforms.
• Preserve Ohio's CyberOhio Advisory Board and enhance technology industry support services and resources.

Click here to view the full 2019 – 2020 GCP Public Policy Agenda.

For more information, contact Sarah Johnson: 216-592-2283.

About the Greater Cleveland Partnership
The Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create attractive business conditions that create jobs, grow investment and  improve the economic prosperity of the region.

SOURCE Greater Cleveland Partnership

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