The 2009 Maryland General Assembly session begins today.

The current state of the economy, and Maryland’s looming budget deficit, presents extraordinary challenges for Maryland businesses. To retain jobs in our state, the Maryland Chamber’s 2009 priorities include:

• Seeking a competitive tax structure
• Limiting unnecessary workplace regulation
• Protecting the economic vitality of the state’s transportation system
• Balance environmental law and regulation
• You can view our complete Business Agenda here

Throughout the session, the Maryland Chamber will be working hard to keep you informed about what’s happening in Annapolis. We recently launched a new website for our grassroots program, the Chamber Action Network, which you can find at www.ChamberActionNetwork.com.

We will use the site to deliver public policy information in new and interactive ways. Members of the Maryland Chamber staff, including our lobbyists, will be posting updates to the CAN Blog. We’ll also be posted video updates from Annapolis with our lobbyists and the policy experts who volunteer on Chamber committees. Our goal is to keep you informed, but also to seek your feedback on how proposed legislative and regulatory action would impact your business.

We hope you’ll visit www.ChamberActionNetwork.com frequently and encourage your employees and colleagues to do the same. Get involved in our advocacy efforts. Tell us how proposed legislation will impact your business. Use the site’s grassroots tools to communicate with your elected officials. Comment on blog posts that pique your interest. Your participation will make our pro-business advocacy efforts stronger.