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, January 5, 2024.

Chamber members are invited to join weekly legislative update calls hosted by our advocacy team to hear the latest legislative matters concerning our community. Please note we will return with the weekly call and written report the week of January 19, 2024.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Local

  • The City of Philadelphia’s 100th mayor, Cherelle Parker, and members of the City Council were inaugurated on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Met Philadelphia. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron joined members of Chamber and city leadership at the historic event. Learn more about the city’s new leaders on the Chamber’s 2023 Election Hub.
  • During her inauguration speech, Mayor Parker announced a 100-Day Action Plan, which includes public safety, clean and green, housing, economic opportunity, and education as the new Administration’s top six priorities. 
  • Acting swiftly, Mayor Parker signed three executive orders on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 – declaring a public safety emergency in Philadelphia, loosening college-degree requirements for city jobs, and calling for greater transparency for municipal government. 
  • During the inauguration, Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson was elected Council President, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson was elected the youngest majority leader in Council history, and Councilmember Isaiah Thomas was elected as the majority whip. They will serve a four-year term in their respective leadership positions.
  • Together with our partners, the Chamber proudly joins the Greater Philadelphia region’s women leaders in celebrating Mayor Parker, the city’s first woman mayor in 333 years. Show Mayor Parker your support by signing your name here: https://www.phillymayor100.com/. There is also a downloadable graphic available to share on your social media.

Join the Chamber on Thursday, January 11, 2024, for our in-person City Council Reception.    

Don’t miss the first official opportunity to hear Mayor Parker address our regional business community since taking office: the Chamber will share the date of our annual Mayoral Luncheon event soon! 

Market your business: sponsor one of the Chamber’s advocacy events. Gain exposure and build promising relationships with top-level business professionals, civic leaders, and elected officials. Learn more about our upcoming local, state, and federal advocacy sponsorship opportunities here or contact Tara Orio, Senior Vice President, Membership and Member Engagement, at torio@chamberphl.com. 

State

  • The General Assembly returned to Harrisburg this week for a non-voting session day. Aside from the Governor's Budget Address, lawmakers will not return to Harrisburg for a shared session day until Thursday, March 18, 2024. 
  • Senate Republicans cite minimum wage increase and education issues as key priorities in the coming budget cycle. 
  • House Democrats announced new Chairs to the Commerce Committee and the State Government Committee. 
  • Legislation establishing a tax credit for businesses offering paid leave to employees was announced. 

DETAILED LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Local: Updates from Philadelphia’s City Hall

City Council remains in recess until Thursday, January 25, 2024.  

 City Council Update
Bill 230746, Contract Workers Protection, although passed during the final session of Council on Thursday, December 14, 2023, was pocket vetoed by Mayor Kenney. A pocket veto, which can only occur every four years at the end of a City Council term, is when any legislation the mayor has not signed or vetoed expires when a new Council takes office.  

 The Chamber has advocated against this bill, which SEIU has been pushing, since its introduction on Thursday, October 26, 2023. On Monday, December 4, 2023, the Chamber and our members met with Councilmember Jim Harrity, the bill sponsor, to discuss its implications and consideration for amendments. Still, Councilmember Harrity remained adamant about running the bill as introduced. The Chamber, African American Chamber of Commerce for PA – NJ – DE, Inclusive Growth Coalition (IGC), and others testified against this bill during the Economic Development and Commerce Committee hearing on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, and submitted written public comment for the Thursday, December 14, 2023, Stated Meeting.  

 The Chamber expects this bill to be reintroduced in the new legislative session, and we must be prepared to act swiftly.  We recognize the impact this legislation would have on our members and the egregious process in which it was moved forward. The Chamber firmly stands behind holding elected officials accountable for a fair and transparent legislative process and a government that is committed to visibility and collaboration. 

 Call to Action: The Chamber will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 2:30 PM to discuss this bill and potential activity. If you would like to participate, please contact Ashley Miscevich, Manager of Local Government Advocacy, the Chamber, at amiscevich@chamberphl.com.    

Mayoral Update 
The City of Philadelphia’s 100th mayor, Cherelle Parker, and members of the City Council were inaugurated on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Met Philadelphia. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron joined members of  Chamber and city leadership at the historic event. 

During her inauguration speech, Mayor Parker announced a 100-Day Action Plan, which includes public safety, clean and green, housing, economic opportunity, and education as the new Administration’s top six priorities. 

Acting swiftly, Mayor Parker signed three executive orders on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, which include:  

  • Declaring a public safety emergency in Philadelphia and directing the Police Commissioner and Managing Director’s Office to develop comprehensive plans for public safety across the city.  
  • Making local government more visible, responsive, and effective in delivering services to citizens and constituents.  
  • Expanding economic opportunity for residents of Philadelphia by removing barriers to city employment, including eliminating requirements for a college degree as a prerequisite for employment.   

In addition, Mayor Parker appointed many new members of her Cabinet and senior staff:  

  • Managing Director: Adam K. Thiel  
  • Police Commissioner: Kevin J. Bethel  
  • Acting Fire Commissioner: Craig Murphy  
  • Chief Public Safety Director: Adam N. Geer  
  • Chief of Staff: Tiffany W. Thurman  
  • Deputy Chief of Staff: Chris Dailey  
  • Chief Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability, and Engagement: Sinceré Harris  
  • Associate Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs, Sustainability, and Engagement: Brenda Ríos  
  • Chief Deputy Mayor of Planning and Strategic Initiatives: Aren Platt  
  • Associate Deputy Mayor of Planning and Strategic Initiatives: Jessie D. Lawrence  
  • Commerce Director: Alba Martinez  
  • City Solicitor: Renee Garcia 
  • Finance Director: Rob Dubow 
  • Budget Director: Robert McDermott 
  • Deputy Budget Director: Ami Patel 
  • Communications Director and Chamber Alumni: Joe Grace 
  • Director of Clean and Green Initiatives: Carlton Williams  

The Chamber welcomes our city’s new leaders and looks forward to continued collaboration at City Hall. To learn more about Mayor Parker and Councilmembers, visit our 2023 Election Hub. 

Together with our partners, the Chamber proudly joins the Greater Philadelphia region’s women leaders in celebrating Mayor Parker, the city’s first woman mayor in 333 years. Show Mayor Parker your support by signing your name here: https://www.phillymayor100.com/. There is also a downloadable graphic available to share on your social media. 

Upcoming Local Advocacy Events
City Council Reception
Thursday, January 11, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 

Don’t miss the first official opportunity to hear Mayor Parker address our regional business community since taking office: the Chamber will share the date of our annual Mayoral Luncheon event soon! 

Market your business: sponsor one of the Chamber’s advocacy events. Gain exposure and build promising relationships with top-level business professionals, civic leaders, and elected officials. Learn more about our upcoming local, state, and federal advocacy sponsorship opportunities here or contact Tara Orio, Senior Vice President, Membership and Member Engagement, at torio@chamberphl.com.  

State: Updates from Harrisburg

Lawmakers Return to Harrisburg for Non-Voting Session Day
The General Assembly returned to session for one day as constitutionally required on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The House and Senate are not expected to return to session until the first full week of February for the Governor’s Budget Address. After which, both legislative chambers are not scheduled to return until Monday, March 18, 2024. The Senate was originally scheduled to be in session on January 16 and 17, 2024, but recently canceled the scheduled days. 

In her remarks shortly after being reelected as Senate President Pro Tempore, Senator Kim Ward listed several legislative priorities that the Senate would consider in the months ahead under her leadership, including a minimum wage increase and emphasis on basic education issues. 

Senator Ward said that the Senate would consider and pass legislation raising the state’s minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour. However, she did not indicate an amount. The Chamber supports a $15 per hour minimum wage. The Chamber continues to urge state lawmakers to adopt a policy and approach to a $15 per hour minimum wage to keep businesses competitive and improve livability in our region. 

Senator Ward would also highlight basic education as a top priority for the Senate this year. A key issue facing state lawmakers this year comes from a Commonwealth Court decision almost a year ago, which ruled that the state’s current system for funding education was unconstitutional because it was not equitable. A set of recommendations is expected to be released by the Basic Education Funding Commission on January 11, 2024.

Meanwhile, Speaker Joanna McClinton announced two changes to House Committee Chairperson posts.  Rep. Scott Conklin was tapped to serve as Chair of the House Commerce Committee following the recent resignation of Rep. John Galloway. Rep. Conklin vacates his post as Chair of the House State Government Committee, which has now been filled by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans. 

Business Tax Credit for Paid Leave
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie intends to introduce legislation establishing a tax credit for businesses offering paid leave to employees.  According to Rep. Mackenzie, the legislation will provide a matching state tax credit to employers who received the federal tax credit for providing employees paid family and medical leave benefits. The tax credits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and the total amount of credits in any year will be capped at $100 million.  The bill serves as an alternative to HB 181, legislation that would require working individuals to pay an additional payroll tax to support paid leave benefits across the state. 

ChamberPHL Political Action Committee
Help us advance the business community’s agenda by contributing to support state and local candidates in key elections who share our commitment to a healthier business climate.

Support Our PAC

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 legislative matters concerning our community. Please note we will return with the weekly call and written report the week of January 19, 2024.