Public Policy
Are You Ready For ACA Reporting? Prepare Now For January 2019 Deadline
Last year saw multiple frantic efforts in Congress to change or eliminate many provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The results were mixed. Individual mandate to expire in 2019. Beginning January 1, 2019, there will no longer be a penalty on individuals who fail to maintain “minimum essential coverage.” Employer mandate remains in force. Applicable…
Read MoreListening Sessions to Gauge Public Input About Regional Transportation Services
Transportation planners from the SEDA-COG and Williamsport Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) areas will be holding three listening sessions this fall to hear from the public about transit and transportation service needs and issues. These sessions are an opportunity for residents who do not drive or who rely on transportation services to speak directly with planners…
Read MoreAlternative Graduation Requirements Bill Clears House in Unanimous Vote
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The House unanimously passed legislation last week that would expand options for fulfilling high school graduation requirements in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1095 – which also passed the Senate unanimously in June – would allow students enrolled in career and technical education or other alternative pathways to opt out of…
Read MoreOctober is Local Chamber of Commerce Month in Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Wolf has officially declared October 2018 as “Local Chamber of Commerce Month” in Pennsylvania. The Governor issued an official proclamation making that declaration. Below is the text of that proclamation. Greetings: It is my pleasure to join with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry to support October 2018 as Local Chamber of…
Read More28th Annual Economic Survey Shows Boost in Employer Optimism, While Workforce Needs, Healthcare and Taxes Continue to Burden Employers
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The PA Chamber unveiled the results of its 28th Annual Economic Survey last week, which showed record high optimism among employers in terms of their confidence with the direction of Pennsylvania’s economy and their willingness to invest in their facilities and workers. However, a jobs skills gap was listed…
Read MorePublic Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Routes 54 & 642 Safety Improvements in Danville
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advancing a safety improvement project at the intersections of Route 54 and 642 in Valley Township, Montour County that began in 2015. Following several public meetings, a study was conducted with a community advisory committee to identify and evaluate alternative improvements to the Route 54 corridor between the…
Read MoreIRRC Releases Comments in Response to Proposed Overtime Rule Changes
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry The Independent Regulatory Review Commission last Friday issued their comments in response to the state Department of Labor and Industry’s proposal to dramatically expand overtime eligibility in Pennsylvania. Many of IRRC’s directives and questions are similar to those posited by hundreds of employers and other stakeholders who submitted comments in…
Read MoreCould Self-Funding be the Strategy For You?
From ChamberChoice and Smart Business Pittsburgh Self-funding is not a new strategy. But while historically utilized for large employer groups, its availability for medium and small employers is new. And the concept is showing impressive results when it comes to giving employers greater input in health plan design and more control over rising medical benefit…
Read MoreCongressman Barletta Touts Accomplishments, Priorities
Congressman Lou Barletta touted some of the numerous accomplishments from his near eight-year tenure representing the 11th congressional district and also looked ahead to some of the priorities remaining for the current Congress in the few remaining months until the new Congress is seating in January. The U.S. Rep. made his remarks to members of…
Read MoreState Officials Promote Education Saving Program
Beginning in 2019, every child born or adopted into Pennsylvania will have $100 invested into an account for their future education. Funds can used up to age 29 for continuing education after high school to better prepare for the workforce. Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella was joined by other state officials in Berwick recently to celebrate…
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