The Austin Chamber of Commerce will lead a delegation of elected officials and local business leaders to Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 18-20, to meet with legislators on issues important to business in Central Texas. Issues at the forefront this year include:

Federal Budget– what is the outlook for the Federal Budget and how are the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan impacting transportation funding from the dedicated gas tax

Immigration– importing a workforce of high and low skilled workers and the possibility of any Bipartisan solution

Taxes- R&D credits and the sales tax collection process

The group will also host a lunch with Central Texas Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Lamar Smith, John Carter and Michael McCaul.  Meetings are planned with Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn as well as Lobby meetings with various members of congress.

A number of elected officials from the region will join Chamber members on this trip. Elected officials include: State Representative Mike Krusee; City of Austin Council Members Sheryl Cole and Mike Martinez; City of Round Rock Council Member Scott Rhode; City of Cedar Park Council Member Melissa Beaudoin; and City of Pflugerville Council Member Victor Gonzales. City Manager Frank Salvato from the City of Taylor and representatives of Capital Metro and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will also participate.

The Austin Chamber is the pre-eminent business organization in Central Texas, with more than 2,500 business members in five counties. This trip is an annual, regional effort by business leaders, elected officials and Chambers in the area to promote issues that are important to all Central Texas businesses.