ChamberPAC Announces 2017 Judicial Endorsements
October 9, 2017 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its judicial endorsements for the Pennsylvania Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth Courts for the upcoming 2017 General Election. For the state’s top court, ChamberPAC has endorsed current Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Saylor for retention and Justice Sallie Mundy for election. State Superior Court endorsements include current Judge Jacqueline Shogan for retention and Judge Geoffrey Moulton, Jr., Judge Emil Giordano, Judge Wade Kagarise and Craig Stedman for election. Judge Christine Fizzano Cannon and Paul Lalley were endorsed for Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. ChamberPAC based its endorsements on the candidates’ legal experience, their prior record of decisions from the bench and answers they provided to questionnaires. Additional information on each candidate can be found below.
Read MorePA Chamber’s 27th Economic Survey Shows That as Employer Optimism Rebounds, Concerns over Healthcare Remain
October 3, 2017
As the nation’s economic climate steadily improves, employers are increasingly optimistic about the state of business in the Commonwealth, as well as projections for future growth in sales and hiring. However, their ability to offer healthcare to their workforce due to persistent uncertainty and rising costs in the market continue to be a chief concern. These indicators are among the responses from the PA Chamber’s 27th Annual Economic Survey, which was conducted in August 2017 by Susquehanna Polling and Research.
Read MorePA Chamber Recognizes October as Local Chamber of Commerce Month
October 2, 2017 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is proud to join Gov. Tom Wolf in recognizing October 2017 as “Local Chamber of Commerce Month” in the Commonwealth.
Read MorePA Chamber President Gene Barr Appointed Co-Chair of Governor’s Middle Class Task Force
September 29, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr has been selected by Gov. Tom Wolf to serve as one of four co-chairs for the governor’s Middle Class Task Force – a citizen-led panel that will seek recommendations to support and grow the Commonwealth’s middle class.
Read MorePA Chamber: Article Exposes True Motives for Leading Opponents of H.B. 18
September 26, 2017 | Tricia Harris
The lead story in the Sept. 24 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer exposes an “unholy alliance” between certain lawyers, doctors and pharmacies manipulating Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system, PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr said. The article further helped reveal how the law firm at the center of this scandal is working to defeat an important prescription drug and opioid abuse prevention initiative which could disrupt their unethical arrangement.
Read MoreInaugural ‘Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life in Pennsylvania’ Awarded to Alan Novak and T.J. Rooney at 33rd Annual Chamber Dinner
September 18, 2017
With extreme partisan rhetoric becoming more of the norm in our country’s political dialogue, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is proud to partner with Allegheny College to recognize two Pennsylvanians who have displayed civility in political discourse. Seasoned political veterans Alan Novak and T.J. Rooney were awarded the inaugural “Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life in Pennsylvania” at tonight’s 33rd Annual Chamber Dinner. The award presentation was a new feature added to the Annual Chamber Dinner program this year.
Read MorePA Chamber: Delaware River Basin Commission Resolution Banning Energy Development Will Negatively Impact PA’s Economy
September 13, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding the Delaware River Basin Commission’s resolution to move forward with regulations banning natural gas development within the DRBC’s territory:
Read MoreNew "Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life in Pennsylvania" to be Awarded at 33rd Annual Chamber Dinner
September 5, 2017 | Tricia Harris
In the weeks leading up to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s highly anticipated 33rd Annual Chamber Dinner, our organization is proud to announce a new element to the evening’s program that will recognize two Pennsylvanians who have risen above the growing trend of partisan rhetoric to effectively communicate in a civil manner. This year, the PA Chamber will partner with Allegheny College to present – for the first time – the Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life in Pennsylvania.
Read MoreCustomers Bank President and COO Richard Ehst Pledges $100,000 to PA Chamber’s “Start the Conversation Here” Workforce Initiative
August 30, 2017 | Tricia Harris
The PA Chamber Educational Foundation announced today that Customers Bank will donate $100,000 over the next five years to the PA Chamber’s innovative “Start the Conversation Here” workforce initiative. Customers Bank President and COO Richard Ehst – who also serves on the PA Chamber Board and as chair of the PA Chamber Educational Foundation – was instrumental in securing the funds for the donation.
Read MorePA Chamber Announces Change to Annual Dinner Program Line-Up
August 25, 2017 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is pleased to announce that former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card will be featured in the “Perspectives from the West Wing” segment of the dinner program. He will be replacing former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino – who was slated to participate in the panel discussion, but due to a scheduling change on her Fox News show, is now unable to attend the dinner.
Read MorePA Chamber: Unprecedented PCRB Action to Lead to Workers’ Compensation Cost Hikes for Employers
August 16, 2017 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau yesterday took an unprecedented action in filing for a mid-year loss cost increase that could lead to significant additional burdens on Pennsylvania employers. In the filing, the PCRB proposed an overall average change in loss costs of +6.06 percent. This action resulted from a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in the Protz v. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board case, which throws out Impairment Rating Evaluations. IREs have been in existence since 1996 and are used by physicians - in tandem with guidelines from the American Medical Association - to assess an employee’s level of impairment and determine their disability status.
Read MoreMulti-Industry Coalition: Tax Code Bill Would Significantly Increase Energy Taxes, Hurt Pennsylvania’s Competitiveness
August 8, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Raising concerns regarding the impact a proposed revenue package would have on the Commonwealth’s overall economy and competitive edge, a coalition of business leaders representing a wide variety of industry sectors across the Commonwealth today held a media call to urge the state House to oppose H.B. 542 – the Tax Code bill. The legislation – which narrowly passed the Senate in recent weeks – would increase taxes on Pennsylvania job creators and residents by $600 million annually. The proposal includes a number of tax increases that will significantly raise energy costs for both residential and commercial users – including a new gross receipts tax on natural gas users, an increase to the gross receipts tax on electric users and a severance tax on natural gas.
Read MoreBusiness Association Leaders to Address Revenue Package
August 7, 2017
Please join us for a conference call to hear perspectives from a broad-based coalition of Pennsylvania business and economic leaders that will discuss the far-reaching, negative impacts of H.B. 542 – the Senate-passed Tax Code bill that has the support of the Wolf administration – on Pennsylvania’s economic climate and competitive edge.
Read MorePA Chamber: Senate Passage of Important Education Reform Would Help
August 4, 2017
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s recent bipartisan vote to include an important teacher seniority reform in H.B. 178 – the omnibus Education Code bill.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds Rob Powelson’s Confirmation to FERC
August 4, 2017
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Rob Powelson’s confirmation to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:
Read MorePA Chamber: Wolf/Senate Revenue Package Bad for Pennsylvania’s Economic Climate
July 27, 2017
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to the Senate’s passage of a revenue package for the 2017-18 Fiscal Year. House Bill 542 – which includes a number of tax increases on Pennsylvania residents and business owners – will have far-reaching, negative impacts on the state’s economic climate and competitive edge.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds Enactment of Critical Pension Reform That Will Shift Risk Away From Taxpayers, Rein in Unsustainable Pension Costs
June 12, 2017
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding the passage and enactment of S.B. 1, pension reform legislation that implements a hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution plan for all new state and public school employees:
Read MoreAnnual Chamber Day Brings Local Chamber Representatives to PA Capitol
June 6, 2017
More than 100 state and local chamber officials from across the Commonwealth came together today to participate in 2017 Chamber Day. The annual event, which is co-hosted by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, allows local chamber officers to meet with key policymakers and discuss ways to improve Pennsylvania’s business climate and competitive edge.
Read MorePA Chamber Unveils New Member Benefit to Help Increase Export Sales
June 1, 2017
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry today announced a new benefit for its member businesses that will help to increase their international sales presence in selected markets around the world. Stevens & Lee/Griffin International LLC (SLGI) is partnering with the PA Chamber to offer the International Trade Assistance Partnership Program (iTAPP), which will give companies ongoing trade support in key, growing export markets. This effort underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and growing export sector within Pennsylvania’s economy.
Read MorePA Chamber President Joins Initiative to Broaden Economic Partnership with Israel
May 30, 2017
Working to promote economic ties between Pennsylvania, the United States and Israel, PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr was pleased to recently travel with 16 of his fellow chamber executives from across the nation to help launch the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Israel initiative. This multi-year program will bring executives from leading business organizations across the U.S. to Israel to encourage international collaboration between the nations and boost economic growth.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds FERC Approval of PennEast Pipeline Project
April 10, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s issuance of a final Environmental Impact Statement for the PennEast Pipeline project:
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds FERC Approval of PennEast Pipeline Project
April 10, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s issuance of a final Environmental Impact Statement for the PennEast Pipeline project:
Read MorePA Chamber Educational Foundation Partners with mikeroweWORKS Foundation to Provide Scholarships to Pennsylvania Students
March 22, 2017 | Tricia Harris
As part of its ongoing initiative to address the Commonwealth’s job skills gap, the PA Chamber Educational Foundation is proud to team up with Executive Producer and TV Host Mike Rowe to offer scholarships to Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades as part of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s 2017 Work Ethic Scholarship Program.
Read MoreInnovation, Economic Trends and Crisis Management Focus of 5th Annual Economic Forecast Summit
March 2, 2017 | Tricia Harris
With the Commonwealth’s economy predicted to remain in a slow-growth pattern going into the next fiscal year, leaders from Pennsylvania’s business and banking communities gathered today at the 5th Annual Economic Forecast Summit to gain insight about upcoming economic trends at the state and national level. This annual event – which is presented by the PA Chamber Education Foundation and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association – brings together some of the nation’s most respected economic forecasters and leadership experts.
Read MorePA Chamber Educational Foundation, PA Bankers Association to Host Fifth-Annual Economic Forecast Summit
February 15, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Harrisburg – The PA Chamber Educational Foundation and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association are again joining forces to present the Fifth Annual Economic Forecast Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey.
Read MorePA Chamber: While Efficiencies in Budget Plan Can Be Applauded, Proposed Business Tax Hikes Raise Concerns
February 8, 2017 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2017-18 budget address:
Read MorePA Chamber: Governor's Veto of Important Regulatory Reform Hurts Pennsylvania's Business Climate
November 1, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of S.B. 562, legislation that would have increased legislative oversight of the regulatory rulemaking process and allowed for greater public comment and input on government regulation decisions:
Read MoreState Business Groups Urge General Assembly to Return to Harrisburg, Vote on Critical Pension Reform Bill
October 31, 2016 | Tricia Harris
HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr, Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Dennis Yablonsky and Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Rob Wonderling issued the following statement regarding potential legislative action on S.B. 1071, a compromise pension reform proposal that would implement a hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution plan for all new state and public school employees:
Read MoreChamberPAC Endorses Jim Christiana for 15th House District
October 27, 2016 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, has endorsed Rep. Jim Christiana, R-Beaver, for re-election to the 15th state House District. Christiana will face Democrat Michael Rossi in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The 15th House District comprises parts of Beaver and Washington Counties.
Read MoreChamberPAC Endorses Jack London for state Senate
September 30, 2016 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its endorsement of Jack London for state senator of the 19th Senatorial District.
Read MorePA Chamber Board of Directors Appoints Three New Members
September 28, 2016 | Tricia Harris
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Media Registration for 32nd Annual Chamber Dinner Ends Today
September 22, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Media registration for the 32nd Annual Pennsylvania Chamber Dinner will close today, Thursday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. Those interested in covering the event must register online at www.chamberdinner.com by accessing the "Register to Attend" link, followed by the "Media Registration" icon at the bottom of the page.
Read MorePA Chamber Opens Media Registration for 32nd Annual Chamber Dinner
September 14, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Credentialed members of the media may now register online to cover the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s 32nd Annual Chamber Dinner on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. Hall of Fame football player, successful entrepreneur and popular national television broadcaster Michael Strahan will give the evening’s keynote address. The dinner program also will feature a dynamic dialogue with Pennsylvania’s governors – who will discuss their experiences in office and share their unique perspective on events that shaped the Commonwealth during their tenure.
Read MoreChamberPAC Announces Endorsements for 2016 General Election
September 7, 2016 | Name not setup
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its endorsements of state House and Senate candidates in the upcoming 2016 General Election. ChamberPAC supports pro-job, pro-growth candidates and incumbent lawmakers who are dedicated to improving Pennsylvania’s business climate and growing the economy.
Read MorePA Chamber Strengthens Operations in Centennial Year as Combination with Pennsylvania Business Council Finalized
August 1, 2016 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is pleased to announce that the agreement to combine operations with the Pennsylvania Business Council has been finalized.
Read MoreChamberPAC Endorses John Rafferty for Attorney General
June 20, 2016 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its endorsement of state Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery, for Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Read MorePennsylvania Chamber and Pennsylvania Business Council to Combine Operations
June 16, 2016 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Business Council have announced that the two organizations intend to combine their respective operations this summer. The two organizations are working to finalize the transaction on or about June 30 of this year. Upon completion, all PBC operations, programs and events will fall under the purview of the PA Chamber.
Read MorePA Chamber President Elected to Serve on U.S. Chamber Board of Directors
June 14, 2016 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr has been selected to serve on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. Barr will serve three, two-year terms.
Read MoreCompromise Liquor Bill Improves Consumer Convenience, Expands Private Sector Opportunity
June 7, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding compromise legislation which headed to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk today and would improve consumer convenience and expand the private sector’s ability to sell alcohol in the Commonwealth. House Bill 1690, which is expected to generate $150 million in additional revenue for the 2016-17 fiscal year, provides for the private sector sale of wine in certain outlets and makes a number of improvements to the current state store system. The legislation was passed on concurrence today by the House of Representatives by a vote of 157 to 31.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds Shell Decision to Build Petrochemical Facility
June 7, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Shell’s decision to move forward with a petrochemical facility in Beaver County:
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds Governor Wolf, PLCB for Supporting Greater Convenience in Beer Sales for PA Consumers
May 26, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s decision to expand the types of outlets that are permitted to sell six-packs of beer and malt beverages:
Read MoreMedia Registration for PA Chamber Workforce Summit Ends Today
May 13, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Media registration for the PA Chamber Educational Foundation’s Workforce Summit featuring a keynote address by Executive Producer and TV Host Mike Rowe will close today, Friday, May 13, at 5 p.m.
Read MoreChamberPAC Endorses Mike Regan for State Senate
April 5, 2016 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its endorsement of Mike Regan for state senator of the 31st Senatorial District.
Read MorePA Chamber Unveils New Educational Member Benefit
March 30, 2016 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry today announced a new benefit for its members – an educational program that offers a discounted tuition rate for certain undergraduate and graduate programs at the Eastern University College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Read MoreMichael Strahan to Headline 32nd Annual Chamber Dinner
March 23, 2016 | Tricia Harris
As part of its year-long centennial celebration, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is pleased to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will be Super Bowl Champion, successful entrepreneur and popular national television broadcaster Michael Strahan. Following a 15-year career in the NFL, Strahan is known most recently as co-host of top-rated, nationally-syndicated entertainment talk show LIVE with Kelly and Michael; special co-host for ABC’s Good Morning America; and Emmy-nominated analyst for Fox NFL Sunday.
Read MoreChamberPAC Endorses Tom Killion for Special State Senate Election
March 22, 2016 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its endorsement of Tom Killion for state senator of the 9th Senatorial District.
Read MorePA Chamber Promotes Kevin Sunday to Director of Government Affairs
March 16, 2016 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is pleased to announce the promotion of Kevin Sunday to director of Government Affairs. Sunday joined the PA Chamber in 2014 as manager of Government Affairs. Sunday is responsible for lobbying on the organization’s behalf on all energy, environmental and transportation issues.
Read MorePA Chamber: Governor's Mandated Entry Level Wage Hike Will Increase Costs for Taxpayers
March 7, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that he is issuing an executive order mandating a minimum wage increase to $10.15 an hour for state employees and employees of organizations that are awarded state contracts:
Read MoreEconomic Forecast Summit Provides Insight into Current, Future Economic Conditions
February 23, 2016 | Name not setup
Harrisburg - More than 250 business leaders and bankers gathered today at the Fourth Annual Economic Forecast Summit at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey to gain a better understanding of the current state of Pennsylvania’s economy and insight into the future.
Read MorePA Chamber Educational Foundation, PA Bankers Association to Host Fourth Annual Economic Forecast Summit
February 11, 2016 | Tricia Harris
WHAT: 4th Annual Economic Summit
Read MorePA Chamber: Governor's Budget Proposal Fails to Move Pennsylvania Forward
February 9, 2016 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2016-17 budget address:
Read MorePA Chamber Urges Wolf Administration to Involve All Stakeholders, Consider Job Impact in Regulatory Development
January 19, 2016 | Tricia Harris
In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that the state Department of Environmental Protection will be developing additional rules for the oil and gas industry to follow, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement:
Read MorePA Chamber Celebrates 100 Years as the Statewide Voice of Business
January 4, 2016 | Tricia Harris
The New Year marks a season of celebration for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry as the organization commemorates its centennial anniversary.
Read More2016 Brings Final Elimination of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax
January 4, 2016 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding the final phase-out and elimination of the Capital Stock and Franchise tax. In 2000, the General Assembly initiated a 10-year phase-out of the CSFT, which is a tax on business assets and is assessed regardless of whether or not a company turns a profit. The phase-out was delayed multiple times in order to generate revenue for the Commonwealth’s General Fund. January 2016 marks the final phase-out and elimination of the uncompetitive CSFT in the Commonwealth.
Read MorePA Chamber: Final Budget Must Incorporate Pension and Liquor Reform
December 29, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s line-item veto of the General Assembly approved $30.3 billion spending plan for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Read MoreNew Members Elected to PA Chamber Board of Directors at Annual Board Meeting
December 4, 2015 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s Board of Directors has set in place its leadership team for 2016 and added a list of new business leaders to the board. The appointments took place at the PA Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting, which was held Dec. 3 at the Gettysburg Hotel in Gettysburg, PA.
Read MorePA Chamber: Independent Fiscal Office Confirms Minimum Wage Increase Will Cost Jobs
November 13, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding the Independent Fiscal Office’s research brief on the impact a government mandated minimum wage increase would have in Pennsylvania. The IFO found that an increase to $10.10, as proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf, could lead to the loss of more than 30,000 jobs throughout the Commonwealth. The report supports the findings of a 2014 study by the Congressional Budget Office that showed an increase to $10.10 could lead to the loss of 500,000 to as many as 1 million jobs nationwide. The complete IFO report is available online.
Read MoreRejection of Keystone Pipeline Project a Missed Opportunity for Economic Growth, Job Creation and Energy Security
November 6, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in reaction to the Obama administration’s formal rejection of the application to construct the Keystone XL pipeline:
Read MoreNew State Law Will Help Protect Employers, Workers from Threatening Situations
November 5, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf signing H.B. 874 into law. Act 59 of 2015 eliminates a loophole in the Crimes Code that has prevented law enforcement from intervening in situations involving stalking, harassment and even bomb threats if the perpetrator is a party to a labor dispute.
Read MorePA Chamber Urges Governor to Sign Commonsense Anti-Intimidation Bill
October 27, 2015 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry today applauded the General Assembly for passing and urged Gov. Tom Wolf to sign a commonsense, long overdue reform to Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code that will improve the safety of employees and business owners on the job, in the community and at home.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Protecting Parties Involved in Labor Disputes
October 20, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement after the state Senate’s passage of H.B. 874, legislation that would eliminate a loophole in Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code that prevents law enforcement from intervening in situations involving stalking, harassment and even bomb threats if the perpetrator is a party to a labor dispute. The bill passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 30 to 18.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds House Lawmakers for Standing Up Against Broad-Based Tax Hikes
October 7, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding state House lawmakers voting to oppose the Wolf administration’s latest tax increase proposal. The plan would have increased the Personal Income Tax to 3.57 percent and enacted an additional 3.5 percent tax and 4.7 cent per mcf fee on the natural gas industry, on top of the impact fee that’s already being assessed.
Read MorePA Chamber Calls on Governor, Legislative Leaders to Address Pension Issue
September 29, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a stop-gap budget measure and his continued calls for new and increased taxes – including an additional tax on the natural gas industry, a 20 percent increase to the Personal Income Tax and a 10 percent increase to the sales tax.
Read MoreChamberPAC Announces State Supreme Court Candidate Endorsements
September 16, 2015 | Tricia Harris
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, today announced its endorsement of Judges Anne Covey, Michael George and Judy Olson for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the upcoming General Election. This November, voters will choose three new judges to serve on the state’s top court.
Read MoreMedia Registration for 31st Annual PA Chamber Dinner Ends Today
September 14, 2015 | Tricia Harris
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PA Chamber Opens Media Registration for 31st Annual Chamber Dinner
September 2, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Credentialed members of the media may now register online to cover the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s 31st Annual Chamber Dinner on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. Kevin Spacey, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, will deliver the keynote address at the sold out event, which will take place at the Hershey Lodge. Members of the media who are interested in covering the event must register for PA Chamber media credentials by Monday, Sept. 14, 2015.
Read MorePA Chamber: Increased Costs Under EPA's Clean Power Plan Will Jeopardize State's Position as Energy Leader
August 3, 2015 | Tricia Harris
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry today expressed concerns with the potential negative impacts the final version of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan will have on the state’s economy. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by mandating significant emissions reductions from new and existing coal-fired power plants, as well as requiring wholesale changes to the state’s energy portfolio with little consideration of costs or practicality. The proposal would impact the way Pennsylvania produces energy, likely leading to a negative impact on the business community and potentially threatening reliability across the energy grid should regulators require an overabundance of alternative energy.
Read MoreGovernor's Veto of Responsible Budget Plan Not in the Best Interest of Pennsylvania
July 1, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber President Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of the General Assembly approved $30.18 billion spending plan for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Read MoreProtect Pennsylvania Jobs Press Conference
June 22, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Hard-working Pennsylvanians, representing diverse industries and backgrounds, will join the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry at a press conference to discuss how the development of Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale has benefited them, their families and communities and Pennsylvania’s economy. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23 in the Main Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
Read MorePA Chamber Earns Accredited With Distinction Status From U.S. Chamber
June 18, 2015 | Tricia Harris
As a result of its strong government relations advocacy; dynamic membership relations, education and compliance programs; and commitment to social responsibility, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry has been awarded Accredited with Distinction status from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement.
Read MorePA Chamber: The Facts on the Proposed Severance Tax Speak for Themselves
June 2, 2015 | Tricia Harris
As legislators continue to work towards a budget agreement for the upcoming fiscal year, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry is calling attention to a fact unveiled this week by the state’s Independent Fiscal Office at a recent joint Senate Finance Committee and Environmental Resources and Energy Committee hearing; that the effective rate of the governor’s severance tax proposal would be the highest in the nation.
Read MorePA Chamber Applauds PA House Lawmakers for Opposing Governor's Tax Increase Plan, Calls on Legislators to Address Pension Crisis
June 1, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber President Gene Barr issued the following statement regarding state House lawmakers voting to oppose Gov. Tom Wolf’s tax increase proposal. In March, the governor proposed a state budget that would raise many taxes in order to grow state spending to nearly $34 billion, an increase of nearly $5 billion over the current year. By a unanimous vote, the state House today voted down an amendment containing the legislative language of the governor’s tax proposal.
Read MoreHouse Speaker, PA Chamber to Host Energy Forum Highlighting Benefits of Natural Gas in Central PA
May 28, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, will join the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry in hosting a roundtable discussion focusing on the statewide benefits and downstream opportunities that shale gas development presents to the Commonwealth. The event will be moderated by PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr.
Read MoreDiverse Coalition Opposes New Taxes on Natural Gas Industry
May 14, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Highlighting the positive effect the natural gas industry has had on Pennsylvania’s jobs market and economic competitiveness, a diverse coalition today issued a letter to lawmakers and the Wolf administration urging them to consider the negative impact of an additional proposed tax on the industry.
Read MorePA Chamber: Pension Reform Legislation Puts Commonwealth on a More Stable Financial Footing
May 13, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Citing the negative impact the growing pension debt is having on the Commonwealth’s finances and the threat it poses to taxpayers, the PA Chamber today applauded state Senate lawmakers for passing legislation that would put Pennsylvania’s two public retirement systems on a more sustainable path for the future. Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, would significantly reform the structures of both the State Employees’ Retirement System and the Public School Employees’ Retirement System.
Read MorePA Chamber: Unintended Consequences of Mandated Wage Hike Include Job Loss
May 5, 2015 | Tricia Harris
Citing feedback from employers and studies that have shown the negative unintended consequences of mandated wage increases on the economy, PA Chamber of Business and Industry Director of Government Affairs Alex Halper today warned that raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania will lead to job loss and stressed that lawmakers ought to consider more effective, targeted policies to lift low-income earners out of poverty.
Read MorePA Chamber: EPA policy could lead to increased energy costs, negatively impact grid reliability
April 14, 2015 | Tricia Harris
PA Chamber of Business and Industry Government Affairs Manager Kevin Sunday today testified before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power on the potential negative impacts that the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan proposal will have on Pennsylvania’s economy.
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