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Regional Chamber > Legislative Advocacy > Legislative Priorities 2011

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Legislative Advocacy

Legislative Priorities 2011

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:

 Tax Issues (Regional, State & Federal)

  • Advocate for the complete phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax.
  • Continue to promote the creation of a 100% Singles Sales Factor formula for State Corporate Taxes.
  • Continue to advocate for the Reduction of NOL Caps (Net Operating Loss).
  • Support simplification of local taxation to eliminate waste and improve revenue and efficiency, i.e. amend the Gross Receipts Tax (SB 601) and eliminate state and federal mandates on local governments.
  • Push for a decrease in the CNI (Corporate Net Income) without the implementation of combined reporting.
  • Advocate for the correction of the Graham Packaging Decision so that software downloaded electronically is excluded from taxation under the Sales and Use Tax.
  • Support the full repeal of the new 1099 reporting requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act before it becomes effective January 1, 2012.

Transportation Issues (Regional, State & Federal)

  • Identify and advocate for an integrated, multi-modal transportation system.
  • Advocate for change that will link transportation and land use to create alternative transportation opportunities.
  • Actively seek and encourage adequate and sustainable funding for rail, highway, transit and air, including new sources of funding and Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).

Health Care Reform (State & Federal)

  • Closely monitor, assess and comment on the implementation of federal Health Care Regulations.
  • Assist the incoming governor and legislature in developing legislation concerning the creation of a state-based health insurance exchange. In 2014, individuals and small groups will be able to purchase health care insurance on the exchange, where subsidies and tax credits will be available to certain individuals and employers.
  • Advocate for the elimination of mandated benefits and mandated coverage.
  • Avidly push for Physician Retention/Loan Forgiveness in underserved areas (geographic and specialty).
  • Serve as a resource to educate the regional business community and community leaders on health care issues.

 Environmental and Energy Issues (Regional, State & Federal)

  • Monitor the implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), inform members and hold meetings with affected groups, governmental officials and regional chambers.
  • Partner with Harrisburg Area Community College and other vested groups to promote workforce development specializing in the creation of a trained energy related/green workforce.
  • Actively seek environmental/energy grants to benefit the region through a partnership with the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) and other organizations.
  • Continue to hold meetings with the Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Increase participation and membership to the Environmental & Energy Committee.

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.

Governance Issues (Regional, State & Federal)

  • Push for the creation and implementation of a State Budget that is on time and fiscally appropriate.
  • 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 the implementation of the Act 47 plan.
  • Continue to oppose federal legislation that would inhibit and adversely affect the business community.
  • Advocate for 3rd Class Cities Reform legislation and voluntary municipal consolidations and mergers.
  • Create a Local Government Subcommittee that will monitor and address local government issues such as a mercantile tax, parking tax and county issues.
  • Monitor the progress of legislation that directly addresses educational reforms:
    • School District Consolidation
    • School Choice - Education Committee
    • Quality of the curriculum and preparation for the workforce - Education Committee
    • Retention of young talent - Education Committee
  • Be an active participant in discussions relating to the privatization of the State store system.
  • Monitor issues that address the size of the State legislature.
  • Continue to advocate for legislation that supports the advancement of minority and women-owned businesses.
  • Review and discuss the opportunity to hold a Constitutional Convention that would address governance concerns.