Public Policy
Bonus Depreciation Bill Advances in State Senate
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Important legislation that would fix a serious business tax competitiveness issue in Pennsylvania advanced from the Senate Finance Committee last week. House Bill 2017 would reverse a harmful Department of Revenue decision that was announced via a bulletin in late December 2017, and prohibits taxpayers from claiming a full…
Read MoreDepartment of Homeland Security Offers Bombing Preparedness Resources
From U.S. Department of Homeland Security As result of the recent bombings in Texas, many organizations are reviewing their preparedness plans & procedures for prevention, response and recovery to bombing incidents. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to review their emergency plans and procedures and make sure they are up to date and cover bombing incidents,…
Read MoreCoalition Letter Sent to Governor, Legislature in Opposition to Severance Tax
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry A PA Chamber-led, multi-industry coalition sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf and the General Assembly last week voicing opposition to imposing another punitive tax on the natural gas industry. Gov. Wolf first spoke of his desire for a severance tax when he was campaigning for office and…
Read MoreGovernor Announces Initiative to Expand Broadband Access
On Monday, March 19, Governor Tom Wolf announced a new initiative aimed at expanding broadband access to businesses and households in Pennsylvania through the creation of a new office dedicated to ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to high-speed internet. The announcement also included the introduction of the Pennsylvania Broadband Investment Incentive Program, which offers incentives…
Read MoreGovernor’s Cabinet Members Discuss Education, Substance Abuse and Infrastructure
Members of Governor Wolf’s cabinet were in Bloomsburg on Monday, March 12, as part of a series of “Cabinet in Your Community” meetings across the state. Community members were invited to ask questions of the secretaries of Agriculture, Transportation, Corrections, Education, and the Commissioner of the PA State Police. During the 90-minute meeting, topics included…
Read MoreBloomsburg Open to Mini Casinos
On Monday, March 12, Bloomsburg Town Council passed a resolution which would allow a “mini casino” to locate in the Town. Pennsylvania is making 10 Category 4 casino licenses available through an auction process currently underway. Local municipalities have the option as to whether or not they would allow such establishments. Several other municipalities in Columbia…
Read MoreFinal Week of 2018-19 State Budget Hearings Wraps Up
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Last week, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees hosted their third and final week of budget hearings with the heads of state agencies and state row offices, to discuss Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed spending level for their entities in the 2018-19 Fiscal Year, among related issues. Amazon’s consideration…
Read MorePA Senator, Geisinger Representative Brief Local Chambers on Energy Policy and Efficiency
From Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy To some, Pennsylvania may be best known for its great historical significance — as home of the Liberty Bell and the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution drawn up. But Pennsylvania has an equally strong history of innovation: being home to the…
Read MorePA Chamber: Responsible State Spending, Pro-Growth Policies Will Build a Stronger PA
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry When Gov. Tom Wolf first took office, he adopted the mantra, “Jobs that Pay. Schools That Teach. Government That Works.” when describing his policy priorities. In many ways, our member businesses have indicated that the PA Chamber’s mission is much the same – to create a robust environment…
Read MoreSecond Week of PA State Budget Hearings Includes Discussion on Labor
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry During the second week of annual budget hearings with the heads of state agencies and state row offices, House and Senate Appropriations Committee members discussed a variety of issues related to the Wolf administration’s 2018-19 proposed state spending plan and related policy initiatives. At a Senate Appropriations Hearing…
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