Legislative Updates: A Weekly Roundup of Federal, State, and Local Actions – January 27

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 January 27, 2023.

Chamber members are invited to join weekly legislative update calls hosted by our Advocacy team to hear the latest legislative matters concerning our community.

City Council Stated Meeting 

Councilmember Jim Harrity introduced a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allow Philadelphia to establish its own minimum wage law. Harrity decried Pennsylvania’s low minimum wage rate, $7.25 per hour, and the General Assembly’s failure to raise the wage in 15 years. 

2023 Mayoral Race 
There are ten declared Democratic candidates running to be Philadelphia’s next Mayor. D Despite rumors, State Senator Vincent Hughes announced that he is not running for Mayor on Wednesday. Last week, Former Lt. Governor Mike Stack announced his intentions to join the crowded race for Mayor. It is also rumored that Councilmember David Oh intends to resign from City Council soon to throw his hat in the ring. The first day to file nomination petitions is Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 

Odds and Ends 
The City’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) is advancing capacity-building efforts for businesses through a series of monthly educational workshops. The goal is to share pathways toward generational wealth for minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses. 

Join the Chamber on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, for our in-person Mayoral Luncheon (registration closes February 1) and on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, for our virtual City Hall Connectors: Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington.  

Gov. Shapiro Creates Office of Transformation and Opportunity 
On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group. According to the administration, this newly created office will be a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to grow – fostering innovation and supporting transformational economic development.  

As part of the announcement, Governor Shapiro named Pennsylvania business leader and entrepreneur Ben Kirshner as Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer.  

The Chamber is working with the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, Life Sciences PA, and others on developing an innovation strategy to make Pennsylvania a globally recognized hub of innovation-based industries and talent.  

House Policy Committee Considers Ballot Questions 
On Monday, January 23, 2023, the House Republican Policy Committee held a meeting discussing the three possible ballot questions in Senate Bill 1. The measure passed the Senate earlier this month. Senate Bill 1 would ask voters to allow adult survivors of childhood sex abuse a two-year window to sue their abusers and organizations that covered up for child predators, whether to amend the Constitution to require that all voters show photo identification to vote, and whether the Constitution should be changed to give the General Assembly greater power to reject regulatory changes. 

Since both Houses have adjourned until the end of February, Senate Bill 1 cannot be added to the Tuesday, May 16, 2023, primary for consideration. 

Republican Committee Chairs 
For the list of Republican committee chairs for the 2023-24 session, please read the full report. 

The House and Senate were back in session this week after a brief recess.   

In the coming weeks, while negotiations on the budget deficit are ongoing, please share key spending programs important to your organization with the Chamber. We will keep these for consideration in our full request to members of our congressional delegation requesting their support for projects critical to the strength of our regional economy.  

The earmarks process will continue in the coming weeks, allowing members of congress to request small grants for specific projects in their districts. Although specifics of the process under new House leadership are yet to be determined, the Chamber welcomes the opportunity to provide letters of support to governmental institutions and nonprofit organizations in their earmark requests. 

Please submit all appropriations and/or earmark requests to Renee Androckitis, Manager, Regional Advocacy, the Chamber, at randrockitis@chamberphl.com. 

Several members of our regional congressional delegation will maintain seats on key committees, including Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, House Rules Committee; Congressman Dwight Evans, House Ways and Means Committee; Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, House Energy & Commerce Committee; and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, House Appropriations Committee. 

Join the Chamber on Friday, March 17, 2023, for our in-person Congressional Staff Reception.  

City Council Stated Meeting
Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced a resolution commemorating the closing of Relish Restaurant, a West Oak Lane institution frequented by the City’s political powerbrokers, after nearly 14 years in business. 

Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson introduced a resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia High School for Girls on its 175th anniversary.  Gilmore Richardson highlighted the many accomplishments of Girls’ High graduates, including former School Superintendent Dr. Constance Clayton and former Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown. 

Councilmember Jim Harrity introduced a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allow Philadelphia to establish its own minimum wage law. Harrity decried Pennsylvania’s low minimum wage rate, $7.25 per hour, and the General Assembly’s failure to raise the wage in 15 years. 

Upcoming City Council Meetings
On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, the City Council Committee of the Whole will hold hearings on appointments to the Board of Directors of the Center City District and review the administration, management, operations, and finances of the School District. 

On Friday, February 3, 2023, the City Council Committee on Commerce & Economic Development will hold a hearing on a bill to establish uniform standards for flag raising ceremonies. 

On Monday, February 6, 2023, the City Council Committee on Law and Government will hold a hearing on several proposed amendments to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter related to the Budget Stabilization Reserve, the creation of a Division of Workforce Solutions within the Department of Commerce, and civil service exemptions for staff of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. The Committee will also hear testimony on a bill to revise prohibited activities for members of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. 

New Regulations
New regulations must be approved by the Law Department, then filed with the Department of Records and advertised publicly for 30 days before becoming law. During this period, members of the public who are affected may request a hearing through the Department of Records. Note: Some regulations pertain to older legislation and processes already in place but not yet formally adopted. 

Department of Labor: Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces
Third Supplemental Regulation regarding COVID-19 and Chapter 9-4100 of the Philadelphia Code. Filing date: Thursday, January 19, 2023 

Streets and Licenses & Inspections: Streeteries
The joint regulation regarding the licensure and operation of streeteries on authorized portions of the right-of-way. See the city’s blog post and Outdoor Dining Program Guide for more details. Updated regulation was published on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.   

Department of Licenses & Inspections: Permit and License Fee Schedule
This regulation increases permit and license fees by the rate of inflation and will apply to all new applications filed on or after Sunday, January 1, 2023. The 2020 fees will continue to apply to applications filed before Sunday, January 1, 2023. Filing date: Monday, August 8, 2022.   

2023 Mayoral Race
There are ten declared Democratic candidates running to be Philadelphia’s next Mayor. Current candidates include: 

• Pastor Warren Bloom, Sr. 
• State Representative Amen Brown 
• Supermarket Magnate Jeff Brown 
• Retired Municipal Court Judge James DeLeon 
• Former Councilmember Allan Domb 
• Former Councilmember Derek Green 
• Former Councilmember Helen Gym 
• Former Councilmember Cherelle Parker 
• Former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart 
• Former Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez 

Despite rumors, State Senator Vincent Hughes announced that he is not running for Mayor on Wednesday. Hughes expressed his commitment to continuing his work in Harrisburg to bring much needed resources to benefit the citizens of Philadelphia.  

Last week, Former Lt. Governor Mike Stack announced his intentions to join the crowded race for Mayor. If Stack declares, his entrance into the race will bring the Democratic field to 11 candidates. It is also rumored that Councilmember David Oh intends to resign from City Council soon to throw his hat in the ring. If he declares his candidacy, Councilmember Oh will be the first Republican candidate in the race. 

In recent days, mayoral endorsements have started rolling in.  

Supermarket Magnate Jeff Brown has been endorsed by AFSCME District Council 33, the City’s blue-collar municipal union; the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents more than 5,000 SEPTA employees; and the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union, which represents grocery and drug store employees.  

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), which represents 10,000 public school teachers in Philadelphia, endorsed former Councilmember Helen Gym.  

Former Philadelphia Mayor John Street endorsed former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. 

While several people have declared that they are running, we will know by mid-March who makes the May primary ballot. The first day to file nomination petitions is Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 

Odds and Ends
The City’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) is advancing capacity-building efforts for businesses through a series of monthly educational workshops. The goal is to share pathways toward generational wealth for minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses. That includes exploring opportunities with city contracts, developing a strategy to pursue business proposals, and learning about available resources. The workshops will be offered from January through June and September through November 2023. This series, in partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer and Procurement Department, will also help advance M/W/DSBE participation through engagement efforts. 

The City’s Commerce Department announced that the Business Security Camera Program (BSCP) is being enhanced. Philadelphia business owners installing external surveillance cameras on commercial properties are now eligible for a grant covering 75% of the cost of their project. The BSCP application for eligible Philadelphia businesses and property owners is available online. With support from City Council and the Neighborhood Preservation Program, they are encouraging more businesses to install security cameras by increasing the grant. BSCP used to provide a 50% match. Starting in December 2022, applicants are now being awarded a 75% match. That is the only change – otherwise, the program is as you’ve utilized in the past. 

Upcoming Local Advocacy Events 

Mayoral Luncheon
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 

City Hall Connectors: Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Virtual 

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

Gov. Shapiro Creates Office of Transformation and Opportunity 

On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group. According to the administration, this newly created office will be a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to grow – fostering innovation and supporting transformational economic development. 

As part of this announcement, Governor Shapiro named Pennsylvania business leader and entrepreneur Ben Kirshner as Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer. 

The Chamber is working with the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, Life Sciences PA, and others on developing an innovation strategy to make Pennsylvania a globally recognized hub of innovation-based industries and talent.  

According to the Governor, the office will do the following: 

• The Office of Transformation and Opportunity will help develop and lead an overall growth strategy and implement economic development projects – coordinating with Commonwealth agencies, expediting permit reviews, and ensuring the speed of business review and approval of key incentive programs. Instead of forcing business to go to multiple agencies for permits, approvals, and funding, the office will serve as a one-stop-shop to cut through red tape, bring state agencies together, support Pennsylvania businesses who want to grow, and encourage other businesses to move here.

• The Economic Development Strategy Group will be driven by the Chief Transformation Officer and chaired by the Governor, consisting of the Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer and the Secretaries of Labor & Industry, Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Agriculture, Education, and Environmental Protection. This group will directly advise the Governor on economic development projects and processes to attract and retain employers, recruit innovation leaders, and create good-paying jobs in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved communities.

View Executive Order 2023-05, Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity, here. 

House Policy Committee Considers Ballot Questions 

On Monday, January 23, 2023, the House Republican Policy Committee held a meeting discussing the three possible ballot questions in Senate Bill 1. The measure passed the Senate earlier this month. Senate Bill 1 would ask voters to allow adult survivors of childhood sex abuse a two-year window to sue their abusers and organizations that covered up for child predators, whether to amend the Constitution to require that all voters show photo identification to vote, and whether the Constitution should be changed to give the General Assembly greater power to reject regulatory changes. 

Since both Houses have adjourned until the end of February, Senate Bill 1 cannot be added to the Tuesday, May 16, 2023, primary for consideration. 

Republican Committee Chairs 

The following members will serve as Republican committee chairs for the 2023-24 session:

• Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lancaster) – Aging and Older Adult Services.
• Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) – Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
• Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) – Appropriations.
• Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland/Montour) – Children and Youth.
• Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton) – Commerce.
• Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver) – Consumer Affairs.
• Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) – Education.
• Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) – Environmental Resources and Energy.
• Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) – Ethics.
• Rep. Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster) – Finance.
• Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) – Game and Fisheries.
• Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) – Gaming Oversight.
• Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) – Health.
• Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) – Human Services.
• Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming) – Insurance.
• Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) – Judiciary.
• Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) – Labor and Industry.
• Rep. Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster) – Liquor Control.
• Rep. R. Lee James (R-Venango/Crawford) – Local Government.
• Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) – Government Oversight.
• Rep. Carl Walker Metzger (R-Somerset) – Professional Licensure.
• Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) – State Government.
• Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Armstrong/Clarion) – Tourism and Recreational Development.
• Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) – Transportation.
• Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Franklin/Huntingdon) – Urban Affairs.
• Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) – Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. 

Questions?  Contact Anselm Sauter (asauter@chamberphl.com) for more information about state legislative affairs.

The House and Senate were back in session this week after a brief recess. 

Budget & Appropriations
With under 250 days to go until government funding runs out, top congressional Democrats met with President Biden this week to level-set expectations on budget negotiations. While neither the White House nor House Republicans have significantly changed their approaches to solving the impending debt crisis, President Biden has agreed to meet with Speaker McCarthy on the topic, planning to do so before the President’s Tuesday, February 7, 2023, State of the Union Address. The Democratic-led Senate is largely uninvolved in the budget negotiation processes; however, this week six conservative senators directed House Republicans to embrace spending cuts across the board – including military spending – in their negotiations. 

While the negotiations will likely be months long and lead to an “X Date” on which the government can no longer make payments in June or July, President Biden is expected to submit his budget request to Congress in early February. In addition to providing insights into the administration’s agenda for the coming year, this budget request signals the beginning of the congressional appropriations process. As always, the Chamber will provide a letter to members of our congressional delegation requesting their support for projects critical to the strength of our regional economy for consideration in their submission to the related appropriations subcommittees. As such, please share with us key spending programs important to your organization, or to the regional economy as a whole, for consideration in our full request. While final dates are still pending, we will provide submission deadlines as they are announced.  

The earmarks process will continue in the coming weeks, allowing members of Congress to request small grants for specific projects in their districts. Although specifics of the process under new House leadership are yet to be determined, the Chamber welcomes the opportunity to provide letters of support to governmental institutions and nonprofit organizations in their earmark requests.  

Please submit all appropriations and/or earmark requests to Renee Androckitis, Manager, Regional Advocacy, the Chamber, at randrockitis@chamberphl.com. 

Committee Membership & Structure 

The House reached a bipartisan agreement on committee ratios, many of which are direct inversions of the compositions from the 117th Congress. As a result of this agreement, the following Democratic members of the Greater Philadelphia regional congressional delegation and committee assignments will remain consistent: 

• Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, House Rules Committee; 
• Congressman Dwight Evans, House Ways and Means Committee; 
• Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, House Energy & Commerce Committee; and 
• Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, House Appropriations Committee. 

The Senate also announced proposed assignments to committee memberships. While the assignments are still subject to ratification by the full Senate, the Democratic Conference has agreed to the following memberships as they impact our region: 

• Senator John Fetterman, Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Environment & Public Works; Aging; and the Joint Economic Committee; 
• Senator Bob Casey, Jr., Finance; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions; Intelligence; and Aging (Chair);  
• Senator Chris Coons, Appropriations; Foreign Relations; Judiciary; Small Business & Entrepreneurship; and Ethics (Chair);  
• Senator Tom Carper, Environment & Public Works (Chair); Finance; and Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs;  
• Senator Bob Menendez, Baking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Finance; and Foreign Relations (Chair); and 
• Senator Cory Booker, Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Foreign Relations; Judiciary; and Small Business & Entrepreneurship. 

Odds & Ends
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will undergo a restructuring process after facing significant criticisms during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reorganization is meant to “improve efficiency, speed decision making, and strengthen the communication of scientific information.” Among the changes is the creation of several new offices, including the Office of Health Equity and the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology. 

Upcoming Federal Advocacy Event
Congressional Staff Reception
Friday, March 17, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Citizens Bank Park Pass & Stow

Questions? Contact Renee Androckitis (randrockitis@chamberphl.com) for more information about federal legislative affairs.

We invite you to reach out to our advocacy team directly with your questions: 

• Renee Androckitis, Federal Affairs – randrockitis@chamberphl.com
• Anselm Sauter, State Affairs – asauter@chamberphl.com
• William Carter, Local Affairs – wcarter@chamberphl.com

Chamber members are invited to join weekly legislative update calls hosted by our Advocacy team.