Local Legislative Updates
Mayor Nutter's Budget Proposal
The Chamber recognizes that the City of Philadelphia must take painful steps to balance the budget. We want to hear more about Mayor Nutter’s proposal to raise revenue through charges on sugary drinks. We recognize how attractive this revenue is and how laudatory its health consequences. However, we will be working with our members as well as City Council to understand this tax’s impact on private sector jobs. Read more»
The Philadelphia Re-entry Employment Program (PREP)
The Chamber actively supported the Philadelphia Re-entry Employment Program at a public hearing. The program grants a $10,000 credit against the business privilege tax to any eligible employer who hires an ex-offender. Read more»
State Legislative Updates
2009-10 Pennsylvania State Budget Approved
A $3.2 billion revenue shortfall proved challenging for Pennsylvania lawmakers and stretched state budget deliberations into the fall. Throughout the process, GPCC advocated in favor of priority recommendations key to a strong economic recovery; vital investments in education and measures to improve the competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s business tax rates. Read more»
Gaming Reform and Legalization of Table Games
Legalized table games, along with gaming reforms, are the last remaining piece of the Commonwealth’s budget puzzle. Governor Rendell and legislative leaders have reportedly agreed to assess a $15 million license fee on casinos that implement table games. Democrats and Republican caucus leaders, however, are still far apart on the tax rate. Read more»
Federal Legislative Updates
Financial Servies Reform
President Barack Obama signed into law the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, marking a tremendous overhaul of the financial regulatory system and largest government expansion of power over banking and markets since the Great Depression. Read more»
Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) - "Card Check"
The proposed Employee Free Choice Act, commonly referred to as "card check," would eliminate the use of the secret ballot election, allow a federal arbitrator to issue a binding agreement after an impasse, and increase penalties on employers who violate union organizing procedures. Read more»