Window of Opportunity
September 21, 2011

Hi, I’m Gene Barr, vice president of the Pennsylvania Chamber. Welcome to this month’s Pennsylvania Chamber Minute.

While the national economy still presents its share of challenges, the Commonwealth is taking important steps toward a better business climate. And with the General Assembly now back in session, job creators will be looking to build on the pro-business, pro-growth accomplishments that were realized during the first six months of 2011.

Our advocacy agenda – which reflects your legislative priorities – focuses on a broad spectrum of improvements that will foster your ability to compete; invest in and grow your business; and contribute to long-term economic recovery.

We’ll be seeking additional lawsuit abuse reform measures, including apology legislation; establishing a reasonable time limit for the filing of product liability claims; and venue reform for the business community, in order to build on positive gains realized by the Fair Share Act.

We are working with lawmakers to improve the prevailing wage law, which will help mitigate its detrimental economic impact. And our workers’ compensation work group is developing priorities that will help make the system more efficient and cost-effective.

We are partnering with elected officials to address the tremendous debt plaguing the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.

We are advancing our members’ business tax reform priorities, most of which mirror those of the Corbett administration, raising hope for real improvement toward restoring competitiveness that was lost as a result of 1991’s devastating increases.

And we will continue to be engaged as the General Assembly debates the recommendations of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.

Of course, educational choice, state store privatization, and transportation infrastructure funding are high on legislators’ agenda. As initiatives supported by Pennsylvania Chamber members, our efforts will focus on successful resolution in these key areas.

We now have a window of opportunity to move closer to our shared goal of creating a more predictable business climate, one that allows business growth, investment and job creation to flourish.

Thank you for being a part of this effort through your membership support and involvement. As always, thank you for spending a minute of your time with the Pennsylvania Chamber, The Statewide Voice of Business.

And special thanks to the sponsor of this month’s message, Broadview Networks, a cloud network-based business communications provider serving companies and organizations nationwide, and a Chamber preferred provider.