The Alachua County Legislative Delegation – which includes Rep. Chuck Clemons, Sen. Keith Perry, Rep. Chuck Brannan and Rep. Yvonne Hinson – recently held its annual public hearing to learn about and discuss the legislative priorities of community institutions and organizations in advance of the 2021 Legislative Session.

During the hearing, at which Rep. Clemons was named chair of the Delegation, the lawmakers named several of their priorities. Among them were measures that will support the recovery and growth of local businesses, including leveling the playing field for small businesses by ensuring online, out of state merchants are required to pay the same sales tax as brick-and-mortar businesses (HB 15, sponsored by Rep. Clemons), removing barriers to jobs and business growth by eliminating licensure requirements for certain professions where they are not needed (SB 268 sponsored by Sen. Perry) and protecting businesses from frivolous COVID lawsuits.

These measures are in full alignment with the Chamber’s 2020-2021 Focus Forward Legislative Agenda, which was released the same day. The delegation also took action to spur the creation of a 2021 summit for municipal and county leaders to explore local issues.

“When we are such an integral part in people’s business, it’s good to be involved and meet your representatives and engage them” Senator Keith Perry said of the event. “It’s important for the community to be engaged.”

The hearing was followed by an outdoor, socially-distanced luncheon hosted by the Chamber at One Love Café, where members heard directly from and had the opportunity to interact with delegation members.