Washington D.C. (August 1, 2024) – In conjunction with the release of its 2024 Federal Legislative Agenda, Greater Louisville Inc. took nearly 40 business leaders to Capitol Hill to discuss top national issues impacting the region. The two-day annual trip is part of GLI’s comprehensive advocacy work at the federal, state, and local levels of government.  

During GLI’s 2024 DC Fly In presented by BrightSpring Health Services, business leaders heard updates on national issues from leaders of government agencies and interest groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. State Department: Subnational Diplomacy Unit, and Rail Passengers Association. Business leaders also participated in meetings with members of Kentucky and Indiana’s federal delegations where they advocated for key issues outlined in the GLI 2024 Federal Legislative Agenda, including: 

• Funding to translate the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) test, which is needed to drive a school bus, into multiple languages. This would make the exam and bus driving more accessible to immigrants and non-English speaking citizens, helping increase workforce participation and solve a pressing challenge for our region – specifically for JCPS. 

• Investment in federal infrastructure and expansion of passenger rail. A few years ago, GLI convened stakeholders to tap into federal infrastructure dollars for passenger rail. Following that initial conversation, the region applied for and successfully received a grant for a feasibility study to examine costs, infrastructure, efficiency, and other logistics of adding a route between Louisville and Indianapolis. With the results of that study expected later this year, attendees advocated to continue to prioritize long-term plans of expanding passenger rail as talk of infrastructure budget cuts loom.  

• Revised Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to minimize impact on businesses. New regulations on PFAS have added additional burden on businesses and public utilities with limited research on impact to public health.  

• Immigration reform to solve the region’s ongoing workforce shortage in crucial industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Attendees advocated to sensibly reform asylum laws and institute efficient employment verification forms, significantly increase the annual quotas for employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, and create new visa options for international students, entrepreneurs, and other high-demand workers. 

“More than ever, decisions made on the federal level directly impact Greater Louisville,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI. “That’s why GLI maintains a consistent advocacy presence at all levels of government and creates a comprehensive federal agenda focused on timely and innovative solutions to critical issues facing our community. We were able to discuss these issues and many more with our federal delegation and appreciate their ongoing support of our region.” 

GLI’s Federal Agenda is updated annually and includes both long-term priorities and timely policy positions on pressing issues. To view the 2024 Federal Agenda, click here.  

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About Greater Louisville Inc.

Greater Louisville Inc. is the Metro Chamber of Commerce and represents 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. GLI’s mission is to grow businesses and the regional economy. GLI supports businesses during every stage of development and represents the collective needs of the business community by advocating for pro-growth policies and economic development investment, and deploying programming centered around attracting and developing talent and economic inclusion. GLI is the 2019 National Chamber of the Year and is one of only three percent of chambers nationally certified with 5-star accreditation status by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more on social media @GLIchamber or visit www.greaterlouisville.com.