Public Policy
New Hire Reporting Benefits Employers and Children
Each year, timely and accurate new hire reporting by employers results in increased child support collections (between $30 million to $50 million) for Pennsylvania’s children. Employer outreach and education — focusing on the importance of timely and accurate reporting of new hire data (because it directly impacts dependent children who are owed child support) —…
Read MoreEducation Tax Credit Application Period Approaching
For businesses that have participated in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, May 15 is a critical date. The popular state program provides funding for Pre-K scholarships, scholarships for private schools, and educational enhancement programs like those supported by the Chamber’s Foundation. Despite increased allocations to the program in recent years, eligible businesses are…
Read MoreSmall Business Tax Reform Bills Clear Committee Hurdle
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The PA House Finance Committee voted last week to advance three bills that would help small businesses in the Commonwealth compete on an even playing field. House Bill 331 would bring the state’s Tax Code in line with federal law to allow for a tax deferral of a…
Read MoreMontour County Readdressing Meetings Scheduled
A series of public information sessions will be held in May to provide updates on the merger of the 911 centers between Columbia and Montour counties and readdressing in Montour County. Residents and commercial property owners in Montour County, Riverside Borough and Rush Township are encouraged to attend one of the following sessions. Wednesday, May…
Read MoreRenaissance Parking Regulations
The Bloomsburg Police Department issued the following press release regarding parking regulations during the Renaissance Jamboree this Saturday, April 29. The Bloomsburg Police Department would like to remind everyone of certain parking regulations enforced for The Annual Renaissance Jamboree taking place this Saturday, April 29, 2017. The event will close Main Street/SR0011 from Iron Street…
Read MoreChambers Continue to Support Gas Pipeline Project
With information from the PA Chamber of Business & Industry Last Wednesday, PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs Kevin Sunday spoke before a DEP permit hearing in Lycoming County in support of an air quality permit for an expanded compressor station on Williams’ Transcontinental pipeline system. The expanded station would allow for increased capacity on…
Read MoreAnnual Block Party This Weekend in Bloomsburg
The annual spring event known as “Block Party” is scheduled for this weekend in Bloomsburg. The Town/Gown Relations committee is implementing two new initiatives to increase security this year by discouraging visitors. The new initiatives include: • Parking Restrictions – Bloomsburg University will temporarily close the Lightstreet Road Parking Lot and the ATM Parking Lot to all…
Read MoreReport Shows $12 Billion Needed to Start So-Called Property Tax Relief Bill
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The state’s Independent Fiscal Office unveiled a new report this week showing the amount of additional state dollars that would be necessary to implement and sustain a so-called property tax reform bill. The analysis concluded that nearly $12 billion would be needed up front, which is $2 billion…
Read MoreBarletta Recognizes Area Technology
Congressman Lou Barletta recognized business investments in technology during a visit to the Bloomsburg area on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Barletta toured the new SUEZ water treatment facility on Irondale Road before visiting with businesses at the Bloomsburg Regional Technology Center. The new, $32 million water treatment plant includes pressurized membrane filtration and ultraviolet light…
Read MoreChamber Supports Legislation to Prevent Local Leave Mandates
In the last two years, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have passed mandates for private employers to provide paid and unpaid leave to employees in addition to provisions of the Family & Medical Leave Act. PA Senate Bill 128, co-sponsored by Senator John Gordner, would require that any such mandates be implemented at the state level. The Chamber Board…
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