GRCA Commerce Quarterly Fall 2019 - 36

member news:

2019-20 Pro-Business
Policy Agenda

he Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) will lead,
educate, engage, inform and advocate to advance a policy
agenda that serves as the voice for business at all levels
of government. The GRCA's policy priorities reach beyond the
legislative and regulatory agenda to encompass issues and concerns
that have implications on businesses, our community and economy.
We urge lawmakers to pursue a public policy agenda that will
reinforce confidence among employers, provide resources necessary
to develop a talented workforce and enable economic vibrancy for
Berks County. Our member-driven policy agenda is outlined below.

programs, while understanding that all opportunities for costsavings and efficient spending should be exhausted before new or
higher taxes are considered. Congress needs to manage spending
and establish sustainable revenues to deal with debt and not rely on
continuing resolutions.

MODERN, SAFE, EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE
INFRASTRUCTURE

Support the funding of economic development programs that
have positive social and economic impact in Berks County. Our
economy has evolved, and, where appropriate, legislative, regulatory
and comprehensive key grant programs should be modernized to be
more flexible and effective.

Ensure our infrastructure is adequately funded to enable
construction and maintenance of our aging transportation and
utility systems along with other infrastructure. Modern, safe,
reliable and efficient Transportation Infrastructure Systems are a
core function of government. Transportation systems and utility
infrastructure are vital in attracting and retaining quality businesses
to grow the economy, increase regional and PA competitiveness,
and retain/create jobs. Including, but not limited to: Transportation,
Transit/Mobility, Energy, Broadband and Water/Wastewater.

PROVIDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE

BALANCED LABOR + EMPLOYMENT LAWS

DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH

Economic viability and long-term prosperity for Greater
Reading - Berks County depends upon a well-educated and skilled
workforce, paired with a healthy talent pipeline that addresses the
growing skills gap identified by our companies.

IMPROVING THE BUSINESS TAX
STRUCTURE
Pennsylvania's corporate taxes and tax rate continue to put the
Commonwealth at a competitive disadvantage. Comprehensive
reforms of and reductions in business taxes are still necessary to help
stimulate economic development.

RESPONSIBLE BUDGET AND GOVERNMENT
SPENDING
We encourage the PA legislature and Governor to work
collaboratively towards a performance-based, on-time budget
process, without reducing the effectiveness of essential government

36 COMMERCE QUARTERLY FALL 2019

Changes to labor relations and employment policies are
necessary to facilitate a fair work environment and address abuse.
Our members support reforms to the unemployment compensation,
workers' compensation and welfare systems that focus on returning
injured employees to full health and function. Employers oppose
excessive mandates that unnecessarily increase the cost of doing
business.

AFFORDABLE + ACCESSIBLE BENEFITS
Berks County employers want to be able to offer workers quality,
affordable health care options. We will continue to advocate for
reforms to the heath care, insurance and medical liability that will
improve the system, providing flexibility to encourage (rather than
mandate) and promote competition.

GRCA Commerce Quarterly Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRCA Commerce Quarterly Fall 2019