Public Policy
PASSHE Board Presented With Findings of Strategic Review
On July 12, the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) were presented with a much-awaited set of recommendations by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), a consultant group that the PASSHE board hired earlier this year to conduct a strategic review of the state-owned university system. PASSHE,…
Read MoreMid-Year Compliance Review
From ChamberChoice Late June begins the start of summer and thoughts turn to those lazy-hazy days of just relaxing. When it comes to the matter of compliance though, 2017 is not the time to “just kick back” and see what happens. In July, many employers will start to review their past compliance efforts and begin…
Read MoreMontour County Readdressing Update
The first round of readdressing notifications for the Danville zip code were mailed the week of July 3, one week later than previously expected. The second round is anticipated for the week of July 24, pending final approval by the U.S. Postal Service. All properties in Montour County as well as Rush Township and Riverside…
Read MoreLegislature Passes Budget Without Funding
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry House and Senate lawmakers finalized the state General Appropriations bill (H.B. 218) and sent it to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk on the constitutional deadline of June 30, just one day before the 2017-18 Fiscal Year began. House Bill 218 spends about two-tenths of one percent more than was…
Read MoreNew Addresses in Montour County Expected to Roll Out in Early July
Montour County has implemented a readdressing project for Montour County, Riverside Borough, and Rush Township, based on a consistent county-wide addressing scheme. This project is almost complete, and it has been done to allow for faster emergency response by fire, police, rescue, medical and any other emergency services and also to name streets with conflicting or duplicate names in order…
Read MoreLast Week of State Fiscal Year Focuses on Gaming Discussions, Other Unknowns
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry With only a few days left in the 2016-17 Fiscal Year, lawmakers are scheduled to be in session through June 30, the state’s constitutional budget deadline. More session days may be scheduled as necessary. Legislative leaders remain engaged in conversations over what the next year’s budget plan will…
Read MoreChamber Supports Expansion of Telecommunications Infrastructure
Adequate infrastructure is critical to the health and growth of communities. In addition to good roads, water, and electricity, reliable telecommunications is essential for resident safety and business operations. Unfortunately, telecommunications service, especially broadband internet, is either limited or nonexistent in significant portions of Montour and Columbia counties. The Columbia Montour Chamber recently joined with…
Read MoreState House Bill Seeks to Reduce Opioid Abuse
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry is urging employers to contact House members in their area early this week to urge support for H.B. 18, important legislation related to prescription drug and opioid overuse and abuse among injured workers in Pennsylvania, which the House is scheduled to consider Tuesday, June 20. House Bill 18…
Read MoreChamber Calls for Increased Child Care Funding
Following a $20 million cut to child care line items in the 2016-17 state budget, the spending plan passed earlier this spring in the House would reduce funding another $28 million. The proposed cuts would dramatically increase the waiting list for services and force families to make tough decisions on child care and possibly staying at…
Read MoreChamber Offers Support for Pipeline Project at DEP Hearing
On Tuesday, June 13, Chamber President Fred Gaffney issued comments in support of the Atlantic Sunrise Gas Pipeline Project at a hearing of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The hearing, held at the Bloomsburg High School, was specific to permits related to water obstruction and encroachment and erosion and sediment control. Pending approval…
Read More