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Elected officials from the St. Louis region will attest that RCGA members are strong, independent voices in the public arena. And as a diverse, “big tent” business and civic organization, our members hold a wide spectrum of political and social beliefs.
But for our region to move forward on important issues, such as job growth, urban revitalization, transportation, infrastructure, and more, we must have a public policy road map. The mission of the longstanding RCGA Public Policy Council is to chart that map on behalf of the broad base of RCGA membership.
With over 60 active members, the Council, a volunteer leadership group, gathers public policy ideas from members, then reviews, debates, and makes recommendations to the RCGA board of directors on RCGA’s position on legislative and regulatory issues that help develop and sustain a world-class economy for the St. Louis region. Once adopted by the RCGA Board, this legislative agenda becomes the program of regional legislative priorities, advanced by RCGA members to our state and local elected officials.
The Council meets twice a month during the Illinois and Missouri legislative sessions, and this fall will begin the work of developing the 2005 RCGA legislative agenda. Also, the RCGA is a partner in and staff for Forward Metro St. Louis—a collaboration between the RCGA, Civic Progress, the RBC, Partners For Progress in St. Charles and the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. Each year, Forward Metro St. Louis selects several key issues that are regional at their core, and pushes for their implementation in Jefferson City, Springfield and Washington.
Recent Public Policy Council successes have included passage of a comprehensive economic development bill, which increased BUILD Missouri and job training credits, preserving the historic preservation tax credit, promoting accountability in the transportation department, and obtaining funding for plant and life sciences.
This month the Public Policy Council has provided another valuable service: providing tough, relevant questions for the two gubernatorial candidates in next month’s statewide election. In this month’s cover story, Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Matt Blunt each weigh in on the most important business-related issues impacting our region today.
Also this month, we spotlight the outstanding lawmakers from Illinois and Missouri who recently received the RCGA’s Lewis and Clark Statesman Award at the 4th annual awards ceremony at the Sheraton St. Louis City Center.
One of those honored—for the third consecutive year—was State Sen. Peter Kinder (R-Cape Girardeau). As President Pro Tem of the Senate, Kinder has been a real champion for the St. Louis region during his 12 years in office. Recently, he sat down with Managing Editor Bob Schaper for a candid assessment of the business climate and challenges facing the region and the state.
And finally, we say thank you to longtime
St. Clair County Board Chairman John Baricevic, who will step down this December when he is sworn as a circuit judge for the State of Illinois. No political leader has been a more vociferous advocate for regionalism and streamlined government than John. We congratulate John for his long-standing regional leadership.
RICHARD C.D. FLEMING
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
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