Several business groups are calling on federal lawmakers to begin work on tax reform even as Senate leaders continue to press ahead with health care legislation.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) recently called for public input on tax reform in preparation for his committee taking up different policy proposals. The Information Technology Industry Council was one of the associations that responded, sending the senator a five-page letter outlining various changes the groups believes will aid the tech industry.

That said, ITI acknowledged its member companies are not of one mind on tax reform.

"ITI companies have divergent opinions on the best way forward," the association said. "What we can offer are some broad principles for your consideration given the diversity of businesses and experience globally. Overall, any base erosion policy should cause as little friction as possible in overseas operations and should not overtly penalize specific sectors of the economy." http://bit.ly/2vBC6Qj

Tech industry association TechNet has also weighed in. In a Washington Examiner opinion column, CEO Linda Moore pointed to a TechNet-funded study that concluded business tax reform could create 5 million new jobs.

"If we fail to act, it puts in jeopardy America's technology leadership around the world and the creation of good-paying jobs here at home," Moore said. http://washex.am/2sblPR3

The National Venture Capital Association submitted a 16-page policy paper spelling out its proposals. The group said tax policy "is one of the most powerful economic levers that Congress has at its disposal."

"In addition to such policy changes as regulatory and immigration reforms, as well as investments in basic research and education, tax policy has been a prominent policy mechanism employed to foster entrepreneurship," NVCA said. "These efforts have been working at a time when policymakers in the U.S. have largely taken our leadership in entrepreneurship for granted." http://bit.ly/2uQIuFv

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce took a different route than other business groups and instead warned that "failure is not an option" on tax reform, health care and infrastructure investment. In an open letter, CEO Tom Donohue demanded an end to the "legislative gridlock" that is blocking progress on policy issues.

"In the upcoming (election) cycle, in addition to looking for candidates who support free enterprise, we will be focusing on individuals with a demonstrated willingness to govern, which means reaching consensus so that legislation can be passed and enacted into law," Donohue wrote. "Promises were made; promises must be kept." http://uscham.com/2vBaeMi

The Senate reportedly will seek to take a vote on health care legislation this week. GOP leaders in both chambers of Congress want to begin work on tax reform before year's end.

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