Public Policy
Bloomsburg Updates Signage Guidelines
On Monday, Bloomsburg Town Council unanimously passed an update to its signage ordinance. The changes were primarily aimed at establishing guidelines in the Business Campus district, which encompasses the former Bloom Mills site. Members of Council recommended a more comprehensive review of the signage ordinance to consider issues raised by the Chamber and Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. The…
Read MoreBudget Hearings Begin in Harrisburg
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry This week kicks off several weeks of State budget hearings, where lawmakers on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will hear from the heads of state-run agencies, state row offices and educational institutions that receive state funding. These hearings, which are held each year in the weeks following…
Read MoreBloomsburg Council Considering Signage Changes
Bloomsburg Town Council is considering changes to its zoning ordinance related to business signage in its Commercial, Commercial-Residential, and Business Campus districts. While existing signs would be grandfathered, some of the proposed changes would prohibit new signage that is similar to what is currently being used. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 27th…
Read MoreCandidate Academy Encourages People to Run for Local Office
An upcoming informational program aims to encourage people to run for local office. The Candidate Academy will outline the basic requirements, issues, expectations, and practices associated with public service. The no-cost program is being presented by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau and sponsored by…
Read MoreWolf Budget Includes Additional Investments in Education and Business
On Tuesday, PA Governor Tom Wolf unveiled his 2017-18 budget proposal. His General Fund budget of $32.3 billion represents an increase of $571.5 million, or 1.8 percent, over the current spending plan. Cuts and savings of $2 billion are included to avoid “broad-based tax increases”. Wolf continues to advocate for additional spending on education. Included…
Read MoreState Preemption of Local Leave Mandate Bill Clears Senate Committee
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Last week, the Senate Local Government Committee advanced legislation that would establish state preemption of laws that require employers to implement specific employee leave policies. Senate Bill 128, co-sponsored by Senator Gordner, was authored in light of recently enacted laws in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that require employers to…
Read MoreNew Workplace Injury Rules Now in Effect
Following delays due to a legal challenge, provisions of a new Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) record-keeping rule took effect on December 1. Employers must now inform employees about their right to report workplace injuries and illness without facing retaliation. Online reporting provisions took effect January 1st. The new rule also prohibits automatic post-accident…
Read MoreEconomic Survey Reveals Employers’ Concerns
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Employer confidence is on the rise, but many business leaders are still hesitant to invest and hire. These indicators are among the responses from the PA Chamber’s 26th Annual Economic Survey, which was conducted by G. Terry Madonna Opinion Research from August through October 2016 and completed in partnership…
Read MoreEmployers Face New January 31st W-2 Filing Deadline
A new federal law, aimed at making it easier for the IRS to detect and prevent refund fraud, accelerates the W-2 filing deadline for employers to January 31. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, enacted last December, includes the new requirement for employers. The January 31 filing deadline also applies to certain…
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