CONCORD — Workforce and energy issues top the Business & Industry Association’s public policy priorities for the 2024 legislative session.

The workforce shortage remains the top overall concern of BIA’s 400-plus members. It’s estimated that New Hampshire has 41 available workers for every 100 open jobs, ranking it among 13 states most affected by labor shortages. The limited stock of affordable apartments and homes for workers remains at the center of the shortage and the 2023 N.H. Statewide Housing Needs Assessment reports the state needs nearly 90,000 more housing units by 2040 to meet expected demand. BIA, the statewide chamber of commerce and leading nonpartisan business advocate, advocates for practical and reasonable efforts to increase affordable housing in New Hampshire.

In addition to housing, BIA will advocate for policies to increase access to quality, affordable child care to allow caregivers to return to the labor force. It will also support potential private and public incentives to keep students in New Hampshire, including additional financial support for the state university and community college systems, as too many high school graduates leave the state for their post-secondary education.

The high cost of energy is a threat to the success of businesses and the state economy as New Hampshire has some of the highest electricity and natural gas rates in the nation. BIA will continue to advocate for state and regional policies to increase system reliability and lower short- and long-term energy costs. An essential part of those efforts is advocacy for clear, consistent and balanced state energy infrastructure siting policies.

Maintaining fair and reasonable labor rules and regulations rounds out the top 2024 policy priorities for the BIA, which seeks to limit government overreach that infringes on decision making that should be the purview of private sector employers.

“New Hampshire presents great opportunities for businesses and workers,” said BIA President and CEO Michael Skelton. “Our 2024 priorities seek solutions to the biggest challenges so that we can grow our economy and expand prosperity.”

To view BIA’s complete 2024 legislative agenda, visit Biaofnh.com/2024-legislative-agenda/.