March 3rd, 2010 by ymartin
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The House Appropriations Committee held budget hearings last week for the Executive Offices, Office of the Budget and the Revenue Department. The PA Chamber’s Government Affairs team covered the hearings. Below are key highlights:
Federal stimulus
Lawmakers are concerned about the certainty of federal stimulus money, which the governor is relying on to fund his proposed 2010-11 state budget. Budget Secretary Mary Soderberg said that the current allotment of federal stimulus money is set to expire on Dec. 31, but noted there has been vigorous discussion about continuing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) funds for the next calendar year.
February 19th, 2010 by lwilson
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We are looking for a few good men (and women!) to join the Ambassador Committee.
We are the lucky ones that get to visit prospective businesses for Chamber membership, and call new members to welcome them to the Chamber.
Joining the Ambassador Committee is a good way to get more involved with the Chamber, without a huge commitment of your time. Because you will be talking about the benefits of Chamber membership, it is recommended that you be an active Chamber member for at least six months before you join this committee.
We meet on the first Tuesday of every other month at 9:00AM at Northwest Savings Bank in Smithfield.
February 18th, 2010 by ymartin
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HARRISBURG, PA – Rather than looking for new things to tax and mandates to impose, members of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry would like to see the Rendell administration and state lawmakers focus instead on fostering private-sector job creation that will lead to lasting economic prosperity.
“Throughout his budget address, Gov. Ed Rendell called for various new taxes, citing as his rationale the fact that other states have implemented similar taxes,” said Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs. “It would be wonderful news for the Commonwealth’s businesses and residents if, even beyond the scope of the state budget, the administration placed similar emphasis on emulating the positive steps other states have taken to improve their overall competitiveness.”
February 18th, 2010 by ymartin
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On Monday, March 1 and Tuesday, March 2, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will hold its second “Workforce Freedom Airlift,” a two-day program that will welcome businesses from across the nation to discuss the current status of the proposed legislation, demonstrate why it is bad for business and prepare state delegations for discussions with their respective congressmen and senators.
The PA Chamber will be leading a contingent of business leaders to Washington, D.C. to participate in the event, which includes meetings with Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation.
Members interested in attending should contact Sam Denisco at sdenisco@pachamber.org.
February 4th, 2010 by Richard Stahl
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A public meeting to present the opportunity for Huntingdon County residents to join a van pool to State College will be held on February 25, 2010. The meeting at the Huntingdon Community Center will be held at 7:00 PM. Representatives from CATA, Centre Area Transportation Authority, will be present to answer questions and explain how to sign up.
During a presentation in January to the Huntingdon County Planning Commission, CATA representative Terri Quici pointed out the cost effectiveness of van pooling during a time of soaring gasoline prices as well as the convenience of the service.
February 2nd, 2010 by ymartin
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As President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address emphasized a switch in focus at the national level to job creation, a new Franklin & Marshall College poll revealed that the economy, including employment, is the single most important issue for respondents in the vote for Pennsylvania governor.
Taxes, followed by reduced spending and debt/budget concerns, ranked No. 2 and 3 on the list.
In the race for U.S. Senate, health-care was cited as the single most important issue, followed by economic issues, including employment and the federal stimulus.
Jennifer Stahl