Public Policy
Businesses Encouraged to Weigh in on Impact of Tariffs
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Has President Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on goods from certain countries had an impact on your business, or do you foresee a future impact? If so, we want to hear from you. Per our international trade and exporting policy, our organization has traditionally advocated in support of public…
Read MoreChamber Board Opposes Proposed Overtime Rule Changes; Public Comment Period Extended
The Chamber’s Board of Directors has submitted comments to a state agency opposing proposed changes to overtime eligibility for employees. A statement to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) calls the proposed new rules “excessive and burdensome”. Following a recent extension, employers now have until Wednesday, Aug. 22 to submit their own comments. To recap, the…
Read MoreChamber Joins Nuclear Power Coalition
The Chamber’s Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to join a statewide coalition whose mission is to educate Pennsylvania about the benefits of nuclear energy and the positive impacts of the industry. Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania members include other chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, labor unions, the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors, and businesses…
Read MoreReminder – CALL TO ACTION: Weigh in on How Overtime Changes Would Affect Your Business
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Business leaders have an opportunity to make their voice heard on a critical employment issue. The public has until July 23 to provide feedback to state regulators regarding proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s overtime eligibility rules, which were unveiled by the Dept. of Labor and Industry a few weeks…
Read MoreAffordability Percentages For Employer-Sponsored Health Plans Will Increase in 2019
From ChamberChoice On May 21, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Revenue Procedure 2018-34 to index the contribution percentages in 2019 for purposes of determining affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2019, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable if the employee’s required contribution for self-only…
Read MoreHomeland Security Offers Workplace Safety Resources
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has online resources to help businesses and organizations avoid and plan for violent attacks. Know the warning signs of a possible attack through a vehicle ramming, crowded place, or active shooter situation. Informational resources, including action plan templates, are available at DHS’ website. Thanks to the Columbia County Emergency…
Read MoreGrants Available to Organizations From Pennsylvania’s Volkswagen Settlement Funds
As many are aware, Volkswagen was required to donate funds to the government as a result of its diesel emissions violations in 2015. In Pennsylvania, those funds were designated to reducing emissions from diesel engines throughout the state and there are multiple funds/grants that are scheduled to open soon that may be available and of…
Read MoreGovernor Wolf Signs Critical Bonus Depreciation Measure Into Law
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry A top advocacy priority for the PA Chamber was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf last week. Act 72 of 2018 (formerly S.B. 1056) reverses a ruling by the Dept. of Revenue that prohibited Pennsylvania taxpayers from taking advantage of 100 percent bonus depreciation when filing their…
Read MoreU.S. Department of Labor Ruling Will Allow Expansion of and More Options For Small Business Health Insurance Plans
In late June, the U.S. Department of Labor released a ruling that will allow for the expansion of small business health insurance plans. This long anticipated news is very exciting and will give members additional options for health insurance. Several associations and membership-based organizations, including ChamberChoice, have been preparing for this ruling and the opportunity to…
Read MoreOn-Time Budget Agreement Reached as Gov. Wolf Signs $32.7 Billion Spending Plan
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry For the first time in a long time, Pennsylvania has an on-time budget. Well in advance of the June 30 deadline, lawmakers and the Wolf administration announced that they’d reached agreement on a $32.7 billion budget for the 2018-19 Fiscal Year, which is $560 million more than the…
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