Session Wrap-Up
December 13, 2011

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

As 2011 draws to a close, we want to take this opportunity to update you on our advocacy efforts on your behalf.

Job creators welcomed the enactment of laws that will begin to bring balance to the legal system; cost savings to the unemployment compensation system; and fiscal responsibility to state government spending.

And with a few more session days on the General Assembly’s calendar, the Pennsylvania Chamber is hoping to add to this year’s successes.

As a follow up to unemployment compensation reforms contained in Act 6, we’ve been working with lawmakers on a proposal to address the $4 billion UC debt to the federal government. Through bond funding, employers are expected to save between $160 million and $265 million, with other changes in the bill estimated to increase revenue by $32 million.

Education reform – which encompasses school choice, a better teacher evaluation system and an expanded Educational Improvement Tax Credit – is also a priority for the Chamber this year, as it is for the administration. So too is passage of a Marcellus Shale oversight bill in order to responsibly, safely and effectively grow this industry.

Finally, a regulatory relief bill that considers the impact of state regulations on small business, and long-needed prevailing wage reform are also positioned for legislative action.

At the same time, we’ve kept our attention on national issues, having recently met with Senator Casey in Washington to urge his support of the EPA Regulatory Relief Act, which would stop implementation of costly and economically damaging boiler emission rules.

And we shared our members’ concerns about the proposed federal emissions rule that, as written, threatens the operation of large generating and manufacturing facilities, impeding economic growth.

It’s been an active and successful year for pro-business, pro-jobs policies. The stage is now set for additional progress on our members’ legislative priorities in the New Year.

Thank you for your support of this important mission and for spending a minute of your time with the Pennsylvania Chamber, the Statewide Voice of Business.

And best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.