Public Policy
PA Chamber Sets Pro-Business Fall Legislative Agenda
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry On the legislative front, the fall legislative session is in full swing, and while the PA Chamber continues to keep a close eye on the yet-to-be resolved budget stalemate, we are also working on a host of other pro-business issues. Part of our agenda this fall includes two…
Read MoreCoalition Memo Urges Support for Legislation to Address Workers’ Compensation Case
The PA Chamber organized a multi-industry coalition letter last week urging House lawmakers to sign on as cosponsors and lend support to soon-to-be-introduced legislation that would accommodate a recent state Supreme Court decision related to workers’ compensation. In August, the court ruled in the Protz v. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board case to throw out Impairment Rating Evaluations that have…
Read MoreColumbia Montour Visitors Bureau Issues Call to Action to Oppose House Proposal That Would Increase Hotel Tax in Pennsylvania
As part of the ongoing budget negotiations in Harrisburg, a new proposal is in the works that would increase the statewide hotel tax in Pennsylvania by 5%. Hotels already pay a 6% statewide hotel tax. A statewide tax rate of 11 percent would have a negative impact on the tourism industry. The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau…
Read MoreWith Revenue Deal Apparently Close, PA Senate and House Both Return to Session This Week
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The Senate wasn’t scheduled to return to session until Monday, Oct. 16, unless any real progress had been made on negotiations to finalize the $32 billion 2017-18 state budget with a revenue plan that will pay for it. It now appears that is the case, as the Senate…
Read MoreBeing Better Consumers: How to Control the Cost of Health Care Through Price Transparency
From ChamberChoice and Smart Business Pittsburgh As the cost of health care continues to rise, it is crucial for consumers to better understand the actual cost of health care and the need for greater price transparency. “After all, we practice consumerism when it comes to shopping at the grocery store, buying clothes and other products and services. We shop…
Read MorePA Chamber to Hold Webinar on Federal Tax Reform
Since last year’s election and the new executive administration and legislators took their offices in January, one issue that has been discussed but hasn’t necessarily been at the forefront of the daily news is federal tax reform. That issue will likely be front and center soon, as congressional leaders have said they will be taking…
Read MorePA Department of Health Seeks Input on Regulations for Medical Marijuana Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is seeking input from patients and their caregivers on what should be included in the proposed regulations for the state’s new medical marijuana program. The deadline to submit public comments is next Monday, Oct. 2. The draft regulations can be viewed on the PA Dept. of Health’s website. The draft…
Read MoreRevenue Deal Moves Closer to Conference Committee as State Credit Rating Gets Downgraded
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The state Senate returned to Harrisburg last week, days after the House passed its version of a non-tax revenue package to pay for the $32 billion General Fund budget that became law on July 10. Senate leaders quickly made it clear that they didn’t support the House’s plan…
Read MoreAtlantic Sunrise Breaks Ground
From Williams Thanks to the tireless efforts of its supporters during the regulatory process, Williams is pleased to announce that on Sept. 15 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice to Proceed for Atlantic Sunrise mainline pipeline construction. Atlantic Sunrise is a nearly $3 billion investment that will boost Pennsylvania’s economy and expand…
Read MoreDanville Council Hopefuls Share Thoughts on Business, Taxes and Traffic
Seven of the eight candidates for Danville Borough Council participated in a public forum on Tuesday, Sept. 19 to share their thoughts on a variety of issues. Topics addressed included job growth, taxes, and traffic concerns. The candidate forum, held at Danville Ballroom, was sponsored by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and Columbia…
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