DECATUR - Seven legislative goals set by the Chamber of Commerce for Decatur and Macon County are aimed at supporting the needs of the businesses that largely make up the organization.

"This is somewhat new for the Chamber," said Phil Hazenfield, chairman of the Chamber's legislative committee. "We've not taken advocacy positions before."

The Chamber board of directors voted to adopt the seven goals in order to get involved in the legislative process wherever possible, Hazenfield said.

"We're taking a position as a pro-business organization," he said. "We have a message to deliver on behalf of business. The governor has a tough (budget) situation. I don't know how he can handle it, but the positions he has taken aren't always friendly to business."

Chamber President Randy Prince unveiled the legislative program during a news conference Friday in the Chamber offices.

The seven points are:

n Support the Richland Community College tax swap referendum.

n Adopt a medical malpractice reform resolution calling on the governor and General Assembly to immediately take up reform legislation consisting of statutory caps on noneconomic damages, the option of paying future malpractice awards periodically over time, minimum standards for expert witnesses, emergency room liability standards and apparent agency reform.

n Support a competitive tax structure for Illinois businesses through repeal or rollback of business taxes and fees passed by the governor and General Assembly.

n Support a competitive tax structure for the Illinois gaming industry and optimize its revenue possibilities as an alternative to higher business taxes and fees.

n End diversions from the state road fund and support full funding for the U.S. 51 expansion project.

n Undertake a public awareness campaign on major issues of concern to the business community, including state pensions and Medicaid reform and a thorough review of business tax increases found in House Bill 750.

n Support the Employer Group Health Insurance Coverage Choice Plan.

Prince said health care costs continue to be the fastest growing expense for businesses of all sizes.

Chamber members will visit Springfield on Wednesday to lobby on behalf of all seven goals by telling their stories to legislators, Prince said. Testimony also will be given today at the Illinois House budget hearing starting at 10 a.m. at Richland Community College, he said.

Ron Ingram can be reached at ringram@;herald-review.com or 421-7973.