Legislative Advocacy
Legislative Priorities 2010
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC represents the interests of nearly 1,500 businesses employing people in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties. Through input and feedback from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber membership, the Government Relations Committee has developed the following list of updated and working legislative priorities for the current legislative session.
The following priorities have been established in order to promote the growth and competitiveness of the business community in Pennsylvania:
Environmental and Energy Issues (Federal, State & Regional)
- The EPA will be proposing a TMDL for the Chesapeake Bay this year. We will actively monitor the proposed TMDL, inform members and hold meetings with affected groups, governmental officials and regional chambers.
- Monitor the Department of Environmental Protection's budget and staffing changes to ensure ability to process permits on a timely basis.
- Continue to monitor the implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards, proposed revisions to the law and inform members of opportunities to reduce energy costs.
- Track DEP's implementation of its Climate Change Action Plan and Federal legislation.
- Monitor the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed lowering of the ambient air quality standard for ground level ozone.
Health Care Reform (State & Federal)
- Closely monitor Federal Health Care Reform.
- Serve as a resource to encourage Insurance Reform.
- Push for a Mandated Benefits Moratorium.
- Avidly push for Physician Retention/Loan Forgiveness in underserved areas (geographic and specialty).
Tax Issues (State)
- Work to eliminate the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax.
- Promote the creation of a Singles Sales Factor formula for State Corporate Taxes.
- Advocate for the Reduction of NOL Caps (Net Operating Loss).
- Support simplification of local taxation to eliminate waste and improve revenue and efficiency.
- Push for a decrease in the CNI (Corporate Net Income).
Transportation Issues (State & Regional)
- Actively seek and encourage Funding for Rail, Highway, Transit and Air (State-Act 44 and Federal level funding).
- Identify and Advocate for Transit Projects in the 3 Metro Areas.
Meaningful Lawsuit Abuse and Medical Liability Reform (State)
- Promote fairness, common sense, and personal responsibility.
- Stabilize the medical malpractice insurance marketplace, foster stability in the medical community, and promote systematic reform that reflects shared responsibility among attorneys, physicians, hospitals, health plans, insurers and state and federal lawmakers to act in the best interest of the public.
- Work to end lawsuit abuse through Legislative consideration and approval of broad-based legislation to cap non-economic damages in lawsuits.
Economic Development (Federal, State & Regional)
- Encourage job creation and workforce development throughout the Commonwealth and especially within our region as a tool to fight unemployment.
- Continue to oppose The Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check).
- Continue to oppose prevailing wage policies that hinder economic growth and job creation.
- Closely monitor developments and changes to Unemployment Compensation and the effects on the business community.
Other Issues of Importance (Federal, State & Regional)
- Actively monitor the State Pension crisis and serve as a resource to find a viable and appropriate solution.
- Continue to closely monitor the City of Harrisburg's financial situation and actively work to promote the growth and health of the overall City.
- Continue to oppose federal legislation that would inhibit the business community, i.e. The Consumer Financial Protection Act.
