Our long-time vice president Bill Waltz is set to retire from the organization on June 30. Bill has expertly led the Chamber’s tax and public finance lobbying efforts for the last 18 years. For over 10 years, he has also been our wise general counsel.
I’m thrilled for Bill as he enters this next stage in life, but he will be especially missed by our government affairs team and me personally. He’s been a steady voice in pushing for enhancements to the state’s business tax climate and has made a real difference in getting numerous key policies across the finish line.
Currently, Bill is leading the Chamber’s efforts with priority legislation HB 1002 – urging that lawmakers drop business personal property tax altogether, eliminate the utility receipts tax that drives up energy bills of Indiana businesses and homeowners, and lower the individual income tax rate.
Among the prior policy accomplishments under Bill’s guidance:
Bill Waltz (r) talks policy at the Statehouse with Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle).
Business personal property tax relief (2021, 2019, 2016, 2015) – Exempts small businesses which own less than $80,000 (previously $40,000) in machinery and equipment (based on acquisition costs) from having to pay the tax starting in July.
Elimination of the “throwback rule” (2015) – Business income apportioned to but not taxable in another state will no longer be “thrown back” into the sales attributable to Indiana and taxed, as of January 2016.
Corporate income tax rate reduction (2014) – Reduces Indiana’s corporate income tax rate from 6.5% to 4.9% in 2022, making it the second lowest in the nation. Prior efforts in 2011d decreased the rate from 8.5% to 6.5%,
The search for Bill’s successor will begin once the legislative session ends this week. The goal is to have that person in place one or two months before he leaves. Details on the position – vice president of taxation and public policy – are now available at www.indianachamber.com/jobs.
