Your Chamber advocacy team is working to share legislative updates and continue to advocate for your business in Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. We’ve created a round-up of recent activity including Key Takeaways for Your Business and a Detailed Legislative Update. This represents our best knowledge of the situation as of 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Chamber members are invited to join weekly Legislative Update Calls hosted by our Advocacy team to hear the latest on COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts at the federal, state, and local level as well as other legislative matters concerning our community. To note: in observance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be no Legislative Update Call on Friday, May 27, 2022. The next call is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2022.

To learn more about how our region is preparing for recovery, visit our Recharge & Recover PHL Information Hub:

Visit the Recharge & Recover PHL Information Hub

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Local

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Names Chellie Cameron as its New President and CEO

Following a national search for a visionary leader to attract new business to the region, expand opportunities for existing businesses and create new jobs, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia announced on Thursday, May 19, 2022, that Rochelle “Chellie” Cameron has been selected as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Cameron will take the helm of the Chamber on July 11, 2022. For a copy of the full press release and more insight into Cameron’s vision for the future of business in Philadelphia, visit the Chamber’s website.

Inclusive Growth Coalition – Update

GIVE PHILLY A RAISE!

Particularly during this recovery period, to grow our economy, reduce poverty, maintain quality services, and make our city safer, it is imperative that we increase the number of gainfully employed people in Philadelphia – either working for themselves or for others.

The time is now to “Give Philly a Raise” and invest in our workers, businesses, and city.

The urgency of this moment cannot be understated. At no other time in recent history have we had a more pressing need and a confluence of available options to do so.

The facts lay to bare – Philadelphia is being outpaced in terms of job creation and has fewer business establishments per capita than comparable cities. These factors contribute to significantly less money being circulated locally, which is exacerbated by rising inflation, interest rates, and other costs on individuals and businesses – including property taxes.

However, we can reverse these statistics and their effects by substantially reducing the city’s “highest in the nation” tax on workers and the onerous double tax on enterprising people who run businesses – essentially giving them a raise at this critical time.

This is something that economists have determined can happen over the next 10-15 years without sacrificing any public services. So, this is not an “either-or moment.” The city can invest in job and business growth and quality of life services, all of which are essential to the prosperity of Philadelphia.

Join us for the first Give Philly A Raise! Rally
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
12:00 p.m.
City Hall North Apron
For more information, visit the Inclusive Growth Coalition website.

City Council Stated Meeting

  • Councilmember Cherelle Parker, on behalf of Council President Clarke, introduced a bill to make changes to the manner in which prison data is used for redistricting purposes. As a reminder, when City Council approved the redistricting plan back in February, the plan did not address the issue of prison gerrymandering. Council President Clarke committed that City Council will take up the issue at a later date.
  • Councilmember Mark Squilla introduced two bills that would amend zoning maps and authorize Public Property to make conveyances to make way for new development along the Delaware River waterfront and above I-95 in Old City.
  • Councilmember Brian O’Neill introduced a bill to increase the Homestead Exemption. As a reminder, in response to the recent property assessment increase of 21 percent over Tax Year 2020, the Kenney Administration proposed increasing the Homestead Exemption (which reduces the taxable portion of a primary residential property’s assessed value) to $65,000 from the current $45,000. O’Neill’s proposal would increase the Homestead Exemption to $90,000 or 50 percent of the median assessed value of properties granted a Homestead Exemption.

State

See the Detailed Report for Primary Election Summary Information

Wolf Administration Champions Hydrogen Hub Designation for PA

On Monday, May 16, 2022, Gov. Wolf announced plans to compete for part of the $8 billion available under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to locate one of the four planned regional hubs for the nation in Pennsylvania. Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, majority chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, plans to create a legal and regulatory framework for carbon capture through his proposed Pennsylvania Storage of Carbon Dioxide Act.

PennDOT Bridge Tolling Plan Put on Hold

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Commonwealth Court Judge Ellen Ceisler issued an order barring PennDOT from moving forward with a proposal to toll bridges in Pennsylvania.  In our region, the I-95 Girard Point Improvement Bridge Project in Philadelphia County was recommended for tolling.

Federal

Bipartisan Innovation Act

A Congressional Conference Committee has been formally created to reconcile differences between the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act and the House-passed America COMPETES Act.  Both pieces of legislation attempt to boost U.S. global competitiveness and invest in innovation and research.

Congressional members serving our tri-state region that were named to the conference committee include Senators Bob Menendez (NJ) and Pat Toomey (PA), as well as Congresspersons Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), Donald Norcross (NJ-1), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5). The Chamber sent a letter to conferees urging consideration of our position on several provisions between the two bills, including enhanced scientific research investment, technology hub program eligibility requirements, reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

DETAILED LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Local: Updates from Philadelphia’s City Hall

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Names Chellie Cameron as its New President and CEO

Following a national search for a visionary leader to attract new business to the region, expand opportunities for existing businesses and create new jobs, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia announced on Thursday, May 19, 2022, that Rochelle “Chellie” Cameron has been selected as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Cameron will take the helm of the Chamber on July 11, 2022. For a copy of the full press release and more insight into Cameron’s vision for the future of business in Philadelphia, visit the Chamber’s website.

Inclusive Growth Coalition – Update

GIVE PHILLY A RAISE!

Particularly during this recovery period, to grow our economy, reduce poverty, maintain quality services and make our city safer, it is imperative that we increase the number of gainfully employed people in Philadelphia – either working for themselves or for others.

The time is now to “Give Philly a Raise” and invest in our workers, businesses, and city.

The urgency of this moment cannot be understated. At no other time in recent history have we had a more pressing need and a confluence of available options to do so. The City’s recent announcement regarding property tax increases will add additional revenue to the General Fund, even with the appropriate property tax relief measures. This, combined with a better than projected budget surplus realized with the American Rescue Plan, as well as reasonable economic growth estimates, presents the rarest of opportunities to aggressively invest in creating good-paying jobs, growing local businesses, and generating more revenue for City services going forward.

The facts lay to bare – Philadelphia is being outpaced in terms of job creation and has fewer business establishments per capita than comparable cities. These factors contribute to significantly less money being circulated locally, which is exacerbated by rising inflation, interest rates, and other costs on individuals and businesses – including property taxes.

However, we can reverse these statistics and their effects by substantially reducing the city’s “highest in the nation” tax on workers and the onerous double tax on enterprising people who run businesses – essentially giving them a raise at this critical time. This is money that business owners can use to recover, grow and hire, and that local workers can utilize for their individual needs thereby bolstering our local economy.

This is something that economists have determined can happen over the next 10-15 years without sacrificing any public services. So, this is not an “either-or moment.” The city can invest in job and business growth and quality of life services, all of which are essential to the prosperity of Philadelphia.

If Philadelphia is to realize true inclusive growth and change its designation as the largest, poor city in America, we must have the forethought and fortitude to reverse our decades-long declining job and business viability.

Join us for the first Give Philly A Raise! Rally
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
12:00 p.m.
City Hall North Apron
For more information, visit the Inclusive Growth Coalition website.

City Council Stated Meeting

  • Councilmember Cherelle Parker, on behalf of Council President Clarke, introduced a bill to make changes to the manner in which prison data is used for redistricting purposes. As a reminder, when City Council approved the redistricting plan back in February, the plan did not address the issue of prison gerrymandering. Council President Clarke committed that City Council will take up the issue at a later date.
  • Councilmember Mark Squilla introduced two bills that would amend zoning maps and authorize Public Property to make conveyances to make way for new development along the Delaware River waterfront and above I-95 in Old City.
  • Councilmember Brian O’Neill introduced a bill to increase the Homestead Exemption. As a reminder, in response to the recent property assessment increase of 21 percent over Tax Year 2020, the Kenney Administration proposed increasing the Homestead Exemption (which reduces the taxable portion of a primary residential property’s assessed value) to $65,000 from the current $45,000. O’Neill’s proposal would increase the Homestead Exemption to $90,000 or 50 percent of the median assessed value of properties granted a Homestead Exemption.

Upcoming City Council Hearings

  • On Friday, May 20, 2022, the City Council Committee on Rules will hold a hearing on a bill to amend the Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District (3rd Councilmanic District).
  • On Monday, May 23, 2022, the City Council Committee on Commerce & Economic Development will hold a hearing on a bill to require employers to provide a mass transit and bicycle commuter benefits program.
  • On Monday, May 23, 2022, the City Council Committee on Law and Government will hold a hearing on various bills related to political contributions and expenditures, workforce development activity and reporting, and adding protections against interference with Board of Ethics proceedings. The Committee will also hear testimony on bills to amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create a Division of Jobs and Workforce Training within the Department of Commerce, to create a Division of Aviation, and related to the hiring of local residents under public works contracts with the City.
  • On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the City Council Committee of the Whole will hold a hearing on the proposed budget for the following departments: the First Judicial District, the Law Department, and the Art Museum. In addition, the Committee will hear Public Testimony in the afternoon.
  • On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, the City Council Committee of the Whole will hold call-back hearings on the proposed budget for the following departments: the School District of Philadelphia, the Office of Property Assessment, and the Police Department.

Odds and Ends

  • The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia has announced that Rochelle (“Chellie”) Cameron will be the new President and CEO, effective July 11, 2022. Chellie Cameron currently serves as the CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport and the Northeast International Airport.
  • The Educational Nominating Panel voted to recommend eight candidates for the Board of Education for the School District of Philadelphia to Mayor Jim Kenney. As a reminder, the Educational Nominating Panel convened last month to solicit applications for the Board of Education. There are currently two vacancies on the nine-member Board. The nominees are Sarah-Ashley Andrew, Elyse Castillo, Jerome Glover, Daniel Hopkins, Gavin Keirans, Chau Wing Lam, Pep Marie, and Bill McKinney. Mayor Kenney has 10 days (until May 26) to request additional names from the Panel if needed.
  • While there were no elections for municipal offices on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Philadelphians were asked to vote on four amendments to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter: (1) to expand the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) from five to seven members, require specific expertise for ZBA members, and require Council approval for all ZBA Members (previously the Mayor had full authority for selection); (2) and (3) to remove gender-specific references in the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter; and (4) to codify and make permanent the Fair Housing Commission. Philadelphians overwhelmingly voted YES to all four questions.

Upcoming Local Advocacy Programs

Questions? Contact William Carter (wcarter@chamberphl.com) for more information about local legislative affairs.

State: Updates from Harrisburg

Primary Election Highlights from Harrisburg

  • In the Democratic primary for the newly redistricted 10th State House District, which was created during redistricting and includes several West Philly neighborhoods plus a small section of Center City, Rep. Amen Brown won.
  • Elizabeth Fiedler beat Michael A. Giangiordano II in the Democratic primary for the 184th district.
  • Rick Krajewski won the Democratic nomination in the 188th House District, securing his seat for a second term. He had faced a challenge from James Wright, who’s worked as development director for the People’s Emergency Center.
  • Former president of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, Tarik Khan won the Democratic nomination in the 194th House District with 59% of the vote beating Rep. Pam DeLissio.
  • Rep. Chris Rabb earned the chance at a fourth term in office on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, while Rep. Izzy Fitzgerald lost out on the Democratic nomination for the 200th District. In November, Rabb will face Kionna West, who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination. The new state legislative map placed Fitzgerald and Rabb into the same Northwest Philly district this year.
  • In the 201st House District, Rep. Stephen Kinsey beat Andre D. Carroll — 2020 Temple grad and community engagement liaison for Sen. Anthony Williams.
  • Democrat Jimmy Dillon, a grant compliance monitor for the School District of Philadelphia and the owner of Hoops 24/7 Basketball Academy, won the special election for the 5th Senate district, defeating Republican Sam Oropeza, a real estate agent, and former mixed martial arts fighter. The special election was held to fill the seat after former Senator John Sabatina resigned to become a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas.

Wolf Administration Champions Hydrogen Hub Designation for PA

On Monday, May 16, 2022, Gov. Wolf announced plans to compete for part of the $8 billion available under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to locate one of the four planned regional hubs for the nation in Pennsylvania.

Wolf has already proposed spending $100,000 in state funds to develop a strategic plan to support the state’s industrial sector in developing carbon capture and sequestration and clean hydrogen technology.

Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, majority chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, plans to create a legal and regulatory framework for carbon capture through his proposed Pennsylvania Storage of Carbon Dioxide Act. The legislation would designate property rights around storage sites in deep geological formations, assign state regulatory authority of facilities, specify the permit process within the existing federal structure and create a cash fund to support regulatory activities, according to a legislative memo.

The infrastructure law requires that at least two hubs be located in regions with the greatest natural gas resources, like Pennsylvania.

The United States produces about 10 metric tons of hydrogen annually, with most of the hydrogen coming from natural gas through steam methane reforming and the emerging technology of electrolysis which uses electricity to produce hydrogen from water, said the DOE. This technology could allow for the production of hydrogen using clean electricity from renewable energy including solar, wind, and nuclear power.

PennDOT Bridge Tolling Plan Put on Hold

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Commonwealth Court Judge Ellen Ceisler issued an order barring PennDOT from moving forward with a proposal to toll bridges in Pennsylvania.

In a lawsuit, several municipalities asserted that the process used by PennDOT and the state’s Public Private Partnership Board didn’t follow the law because the plan was approved before the public was told which bridges would be tolled. The Wolf Administration is studying the ruling and could appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.

Senate Bill 382, to stop the bridge tolling plan has passed both chambers of the General Assembly. However, the House amended the Senate bill, and the Senate hasn’t voted on concurring on the changes. Gov. Tom Wolf has indicated he would veto the legislation. In our region, the I-95 Girard Point Improvement Bridge Project in Philadelphia County was recommended for tolling.

Upcoming State Advocacy Program

Questions? Contact Liz Ferry (lferry@chamberphl.com) for more information about state legislative affairs.

Federal: Updates from Washington D.C.

Bipartisan Innovation Act

A congressional conference committee has been formally created to reconcile differences between the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act and the House-passed America COMPETES Act.  Both pieces of legislation attempt to boost U.S. global competitiveness and invest in innovation and research.

House and Senate leadership have determined an ambitious timeline to reconcile the difference between both legislative chamber’s respective innovation and competition bills. According to Punchbowl News this week, the goal is for conferees to complete a draft of the legislation by Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Then, congressional leadership, committee chairs, and ranking members are expected to meet between June 13-16.  The time to file the finished conference report is expected by June 21, 2022.

Congressional members serving our tri-state region that were named to the conference committee include Senators Bob Menendez (NJ) and Pat Toomey (PA), as well as Congresspersons Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), Donald Norcross (NJ-1), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5). The Chamber sent a letter to conferees urging consideration of our position on several provisions between the two bills, including enhanced scientific research investment, technology hub program eligibility requirements, reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

Odds and Ends

  • The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed out of committee the Advanced Research Project Agency-Health (ARPA-H) Act, which establishes ARPA-H within the Department of Health and Human Services and separate from the National Institutes of Health. ARPA-H seeks to accelerate innovation in biomedicine and health technology by investing in high-risk, high-reward research to develop high-need cures.
  • At the time of this writing, Pennsylvania’s United States Senate Republican Primary was still too close to call. With 98% of the vote counted, Mehmet Oz held a small lead over David McCormick by a margin of just 1,200 votes, less than one-tenth of a percentage point. If the margin stays within .5% of the vote, an automatic recount will begin in the days ahead. Meanwhile, John Fetterman decidedly won the Democratic Primary. Fetterman is currently recovering from a procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator following a stroke that he suffered last week. Fetterman is expected to make a full recovery and will face Oz or McCormick in the November general election to determine who will succeed retiring Senator Pat Toomey.
  • Following passage in the House, an Ukraine aid package passed in the Senate this week. The bill provides an additional $40 billion in security and military assistance for Ukraine and for U.S. efforts to strengthen European security. Congress has previously authorized $14 billion in emergency funding to assist Ukraine.
  • This week, the President invoked the Defense Production Act to address the baby formula shortage nationwide. The move is expected to accelerate domestic production and speed up the distribution of baby formula from overseas.
  • Democratic leaders are still developing a path forward for a $10 billion pandemic relief package that has stalled in Congress since February. For the package to receive bipartisan support, Republicans are demanding the inclusion of a bipartisan proposal to halt the reversal of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention border policy.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, YOUR TEAM, AND YOUR BUSINESS

The constantly changing nature of this public health crisis requires continued engagement with public policy developments. We invite you to reach out to our advocacy team directly with your questions: 

Chamber members are invited to join weekly Legislative Update Calls hosted by our Advocacy team to hear the latest on COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts at the federal, state, and local level as well as other legislative matters concerning our community. To note: in observance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be no Legislative Update Call on Friday, May 27, 2022. The next call is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2022.

To learn more about how our region is preparing for recovery, visit our Recharge & Recover PHL Information Hub:

Visit the Recharge & Recover PHL Information Hub