Larry Richardson, Vice President of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, will be the guest speaker at this month’s General Membership Luncheon.

Richardson will discuss how the 2018 state elections resulted is fairly substantial change to the Maryland General Assembly, not only in personnel -- there are 60 new members in the House of Delegates and state Senate -- but also, potentially, in political philosophy.

This change is expected to impact the legislative agendas of many in Annapolis this session, including that of business both large and small.

Some of the issues Richardson will be discussing in detail:

• Efforts to enact a $15 per hour minimum wage.
• Proposed modifications to the Sick and Safe Leave legislation and how those changes could affect businesses.
• Possible mandates to employee scheduling and workplace laws, which would especially impact the retail and food service. (This is referred to by some as “fair scheduling” and by others as “restrictive scheduling.”)
• Expansion of Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”) to 50 percent over the next 10 years, which could include an expansion of the offshore wind production.
• Tax reform for business of all sizes, including creation of a Pass-Through Entity (PTE) provision, and a reduction of Maryland’s Corporate tax from 8.25 percent to 7 percent.

The monthly luncheon will be held Thursday, Jan. 17, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

Tickets are $25 for Salisbury Area Chamber members and $30 for future members.