Public Policy
Governor Wolf Unveils 2018-19 Budget Plan
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s 2018-19 budget proposal once again includes a severance tax on the natural gas industry and an increase in the minimum wage to $12 per hour. Revenue from the gas tax and social service savings from increasing the minimum wage would pay for workforce development programs and an increase in education spending…
Read MoreStrategy and Analysis: How Alternate Funding and Tools Can Help Control Small Group Health Plans
From ChamberChoice and Smart Business Pittsburgh Today’s health care environment is riddled with complex plan designs and rigorous government regulations, leaving many employers to feel as though their hands are tied when it comes to finding unique, innovative and cost-saving solutions. But a new concept is emerging that will enable small employers to identify current and future…
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds Wolf Administration For Working to Reduce Regulatory Red Tape
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry On Friday, Jan. 26, Gov. Tom Wolf held a press conference to announce that his administration was working toward making several positive changes to the state’s existing and cumbersome regulatory and permitting process – reducing permit backlogs, modernizing permitting processes and better utilizing technology to improve regulatory oversight…
Read MoreStopgap Funding Bill Makes Notable Changes to Affordable Care Act Deadlines
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry After a brief government shutdown, a stopgap funding measure was signed on Jan. 22 that also contains a few provisions that makes changes to the federal Affordable Care Act and will have a direct impact on certain employer plans. Among the notable changes are: A two-year delay of…
Read MoreERISA Penalty Adjustments Announced
From ChamberChoice The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is the enforcement arm for the Department of Labor (DOL) as it relates to employee benefit plans. The EBSA enforces ERISA’s fiduciary, reporting and disclosure provisions. Civil monetary penalties can be assessed for compliance failures of any of these requirements. Penalties however, become less effective when they have not been…
Read MoreState Grant Application Period Now Open For Popular Recreation Program
From State Sen. John Gordner The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will begin accepting applications for the latest round of grants for community conservation and recreational projects on January 22, 2018, according to state Senator John R. Gordner. “This is a special year, as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Keystone Recreation,…
Read MorePA Chamber Voices Support for Package of Regulatory Reform Bills at Press Conference
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Pennsylvania’s business community has long protested against an onslaught of regulations from bureaucrats at all levels of government that make it harder to start and complete projects and grow the economy. Last week, PA Chamber Government Affairs Director Kevin Sunday spoke at a press conference in support of…
Read MoreHere We Go Again: IRS Extends Information Reporting Deadline
From ChamberChoice Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) must report its offer of affordable coverage to its full-time employees. This reporting is achieved by providing a Form 1095-C to full-time employees (and any covered individual under a self-insured plan). In order for an individual to demonstrate having minimum essential coverage (MEC) and avoid a…
Read MorePA Department of Revenue Reverses Pro-Business Policy on Capital Investments
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Late last month, the state Department of Revenue quietly made a significant change to employers’ tax filings regarding capital investments. This action is in response to the 100 percent bonus appreciation deduction that will be allowed under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The decision reverses a…
Read MoreGovernor Wolf Declares Heroin and Opioid Epidemic a Statewide Disaster Emergency
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, Governor Tom Wolf signed a statewide disaster declaration related to the heroin and opioid epidemic to enhance state response, increase access to treatment, and save lives. The declaration will utilize a command center at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to track progress and enhance coordination of health and public safety agencies.…
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