Business Advocacy | Yellowstone Area Chamber of Commerce

Business Growth & Economic Prosperity Guide

The Yellowstone Area Chamber of Commerce exists to advance and foster a climate of economic growth by championing the proven principles of the free-market system. YACC serves businesses by protecting and advocating for open and honest markets where businesses are free to innovate, compete, and thrive.

Yellowstone Area businesses must have a strong voice that represents the interests of all businesses. The Yellowstone Area Chamber of Commerce is a business-centric organization that educates and advocates for common-sense, pro-business policies.

YACC and its members fight for lower taxes, less intrusive government policies, an economy that rewards entrepreneurship and innovation, and solutions that lessen barriers to entry, unneeded regulations, and bureaucratic red tape.

This plan was created with the input of dozens of business owners representing multiple industries in the area. During the Legislative session, the YACC will lobby for policies that help businesses and oppose policies that negatively hurt businesses.

Following the Legislative Session, the Yellowstone Area Chamber will release a scorecard of how all 150 Legislators and Senators voted on Legislation impactful to area businesses.

Last Great Tax Code

A modern global economy requires a modern tax system. Montana is competing against 200 countries, 49 states, and thousands of municipalities. To entice business growth we require a simple, fair, consistent, and equitable tax code. We require a tax system that prioritizes broadening the tax base rather than arbitrary growing the general fund by raising taxes. The YACC advocates and educates for a tax system built around growing business, inspiring entrepreneurship, and creating economic growth.

Oppose a Local Option Sales Tax
Support the complete repeal of the Business Equipment Tax
Oppose increased taxes on Lodging and Rental Cars
Support the utilization of Tax Increment Financing Districts
Oppose new taxes on Vape products, higher taxes on Tobacco, and the redefining of Tobacco Products
Oppose increased taxes on Alcohol
Oppose reintroduction of the Estate Tax
Support reforms to the Property Tax Evaluation System

Public Safety

Businesses need an environment free from crime, disruption, and coercion to prosper. Enticing outside businesses, inspiring entrepreneurs to start a company, and investors to back new ventures requires a properly funded police, fire, and medical services. The Yellowstone Area Chamber supports new innovative ways to ensure public safety.

Support adequate funding for Law Enforcement, Fire, and Medical Services
Support increased Community Policing and transparency within Law Enforcement agencies
Support public/private partnerships to increase Policing and Specialization within departments
Support private, public, and non-profit programs providing Addiction Counseling

Reinvigorating the Business Climate

Consumers should determine winners and losers in the marketplace—not government. When special interests advocate for one industry or company to the detriment of all others its makes them wealthier while making society as a whole poorer. As a business-centric organization, the Yellowstone Area Chamber will advocate for all businesses, not just some businesses.

Oppose public funding being used for a Regional Convention Center in Billings
Support the repeal of Unneeded Regulations, Bureaucratic Red-Tape, and Cronyism
Oppose increases to the Minimum Wage
Oppose new regulatory burdens for Ride Sharing and Online Home Rental Services
Support removal of unneeded regulations and industry-specific taxes on Hotels
Support adequate funding for Colleges and Universities
Support Responsible Mining
Support deregulation of the Timber Industry
Support Workers Compensation Reform

Economic Freedom and Growth

When markets are given an ounce of freedom the result is economic growth and wealth creation that is unparalleled to any centrally planned stimulus program. The YACC stands by this proven and common sense recipe to business growth and individual prosperity.

Support Private Property Rights
Support policies of Free and Fair Trade
Support increased accountability and transparency for lawmakers and public officials
Support Occupational Licensing Reform that creates unwarranted barriers to entry
Support a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, competition, and specialization by urging elected officials to support all business—not just special interests
Oppose Corporate Welfare by eliminating tax loopholes and subsidies.