Advocating on Behalf of Your Business

Public policy significantly impacts businesses and their ability to operate. The Greater Bethesda Chamber strives to provide proactive leadership on legislative and economic development issues and an improved business climate, by advocating at the state, local and federal levels for business friendly policies. Throughout the year, the Chamber and its members will meet with and testify before legislators and government leaders, to ensure that our issues are effectively communicated. The Chamber stands ready to collaborate and advocate in the areas of Economic Development; Land Use and Transportation; Public Health, Education and Welfare; and Cultural Enrichment and Environmental Awareness - the primary areas of focus of our 
​2026 Advocacy Agenda. 

If you have an interest in supporting The Chamber's efforts to advocate for the betterment of the Greater Bethesda area and Montgomery County, join the Chamber's Economic Development, Real Estate and/or Legislative Committees.  

​Preview our 2026 Advocacy Agenda HERE. 
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***Advocacy In Action***

2026 Testimony to the General Assembly & County Council
House Bill 308—Corporations and Associations—Principal Offices—Private Mailboxes - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 247— Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit—Conversion to Grant - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 281—Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026 - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 462—Landlord and Tenant—Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies—Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction) - OPPOSTION LETTER
Senate Bill 3—Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act of 2026 - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 496—Election Law—Unaffiliated Voters—Open Primary Elections - ​SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 400— Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit—Conversion to Grant Program - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 386—Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026 - ​SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 690—Corporate Income Tax—Rate Reduction (Economic Competitiveness Act of 2026) - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 548—Land Use-Permitting—Development Rights (Maryland Housing Certainty Act) - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 676— Maryland Financial Empowerment Center Network Pilot Program--Establishment - SPPORT LETTER
House Bill 1128—Income Tax—Angel Investor Tax Credit for Investments in Emergent Technology - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 867—Economic Development—MD Aerospace & Technology Commission-Alterations - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 905—Maryland Technology Development Corporation—Maryland Advanced Manufacturing Grant Program--Established - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 886 -- Consumer Protection and Labor and Employment - Food Service Facilities and Minimum Wage - JOINT OPPOSITION LETTER
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2025 Testimony to the General Assembly & County Council
Senate Bill 70—County Income Tax—Rate and Income Brackets--Alterations - OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 11—Organized Retail Theft Act of 2025 - ​SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 58—Labor and Engagement—Parental School Engagement Leave Act - OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 327—Affordable Housing Payment in Lieu of Taxes Expansion Act - SUPPORT LETTER with Amendments
House Bill 389—Property Tax-Day Care Centers, Child Care Homes, and Child Care Centers - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 390—Affordable Housing Payment in Lieu of Taxes Expansion Act - SUPPORT with Amendments
House Bill 467--Metro Funding Modification Act of 2025 - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 452—Child Care Affordability Commission--Establishment - ​SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 846—Transportation Access and Revenue Act - OPPOSITION LETTER
House Bill 168—Manufacturing Business Personal Property Tax--Exemption - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 1014—Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2025 - OPPOSITION LETTER
House Bill 1280—Election Law—Affiliating With a Party and Voting—Unaffiliated Voters - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 554—Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act of 2025 - OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 760—Better Small Business Employee Benefit Act of 2025 - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 1177—Landlord & Tenant—Tenant Repair & Maintenance Complaint Hotline--Establishment -  OPPOSITION LETTER
House Bill 352 -- Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 - JOINT OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 321 -- Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 - JOINT OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 859—Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2025 - OPPOSITION LETTER 
Senate Bill 488—Manufacturing Business Personal Property Tax--Exemption - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 823—No Tax on Tips Act - OPPOSITION LETTER
COUNTY COUNCIL - More Housing N.O.W. (New Options for Workers) - JOINT SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 1554 -- Sales and Use Tax - Taxable Business Services - Alterations - JOINT OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 1045 -- Sales and Use Tax - Taxable Business Services - Alterations - JOINT OPPOSITION LETTER
COUNTY COUNCIL - Bill 22-25 Labor Peace Agreements - JOINT OPPOSITION LETTER

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2024 Testimony to the General Assembly
Senate Bill 520—Consumer Protection-Credit or Debit Card Surcharges-Limitation​ - OPPOSITION LETTER
House Bill 827—Maryland Insurance Administration—Professional Employer Organizations--Study - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 525—Labor And Employment—Equal Pay for Equal Work—Wage Range - OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 774—Public Safety—Maryland Entertainment District Security Grant Program - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 985--Economic Development—County or Municipality Economic Development Authority - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 766—Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2024 - OPPOSITION LETTER
House Bill 1032—Highways—Tourist Area and Corridor Signage Program - SUPPORT LETTER
Senate Bill 481—Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 - OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 484--Land Use - Affordable Housing - Zoning Density and Permitting - ORAL TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT
Senate Bill 104—Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act of 2024 - OPPOSITION LETTER
House Bill 1226—Maryland Predictive Scheduling Act - OPPOSITION LETTER
Senate Bill 1026/HB 1115—County Boards of Education—Budgets—Notice - SUPPORT LETTER
House Bill 1515—Sales and Use Tax—Rate Reduction and Services - OPPOSITION LETTER
COUNTY - Special Appropriation to the FY24 Operating Budget J.O.B.S. - ORAL TESTIMONY
COUNTY - FY ’25 Budget Public Hearing - ORAL TESTIMONY
COUNTY - Chamber Support of the FY24 J.O.B.S. Initiative - SUPPORT LETTER
COUNTY - Joint Chamber Support of the FY24 J.O.B.S. Initiative - SUPPORT LETTER 
COMMUNITY LETTER - 2050 Air Quality Conformity Analysis & Southside Express Lanes - SUPPORT LETTER
COUNTY - Chamber Support of the MOVE Act - SUPPORT LETTER
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Advocacy doesn't just happen legislatively.  It also happens by looking out for our community, businesses and neighbors.  When an issue or situation happens that keep our members from successfully doing business, the Chamber helps by reaching out to the appropriate government officials - local, state or federal - who will help us to resolve the problem.  If we can't help, we will find someone who can. Let us know if we can help solve an issue or support your business in any way. 

Get Involved with our Legislative Efforts

The Chamber has three committees that focus on economic development and advocacy, legislation and issues affecting development and real estate: Economic Development, Legislative and Real Estate Groups. Visit our Committees & Groups page to learn more about getting involved and to participate in these meetings.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and
REAL ESTATE COMMITTEES

These groups review economic development and real estate issues that affect the area and member businesses. In addition to developing our annual advocacy agenda, these groups regularly have speakers inform our members about current issues as well as real estate projects planned or underway in the Greater Bethesda region.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
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Members of the committee review bills that would affect businesses and the community in Greater Bethesda and determine the Chamber's position, as well actions needed (e.g. testify, write a letter, meet with legislators, etc.). Subject matter experts in the membership (real estate, taxes, employment/HR) provide their expertise and at times write testimony or testify in Annapolis on behalf of the Chamber.

Quick Links and Resources

The Chamber's Current Advocacy Agenda
Montgomery County Council
Montgomery County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly
Find Your State and Federal Representatives
​Business Resources
​View our Blog for the latest legislative updates

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For more information on our advocacy programs and committees, or if your businesses needs assistance or resources, contact Chamber President and CEO, Allie Williams. 

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