By: David G. Greineder, IOM, ABC Pennsylvania Director of Government Affairs
The legislature is back from the summer recess and has started the fall voting session, which lasts through December. Last week, House and Senate Republican leaders held a press conference where they outlined main areas of focus for the reminder of the year. Those priorities include: (1) the Administration’s school mask mandate; (2) election reform; (3) legislative recommendations included in the Auditor General’s report on the pandemic waivers; and (4) legislative measures dealing with the opioid epidemic.
Along with these priorities, the House and Senate will be moving bills that ABC has been monitoring, including legislation (House Bill 591) that would allow a waiver to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for construction sites that result in a land disturbance of more than one but less than five acres, and legislation (Senate Bill 634) that would require municipalities to contract with more than one third-party agency for building code enforcement.
Earlier this month, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing on legislation (Senate Bill 749) that would add clarifications and employer protections to Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law. ABC of Pennsylvania signed onto a PA Chamber coalition letter voicing support for this bill, as we believe it would add much-needed clarification to “safety-sensitive” positions and provide guidance to employers managing hiring and firing processes for medical marijuana patients.
Looking forward to the fall session and beyond, ABC will continue the fight to end discrimination against the merit shop in state-mandated apprentice-to-journeyworker ratio rules. We were grateful to the leaders of the House Labor & Industry Committee in conducting roundtables with ABC members to learn about the issue and ask questions, and we thank committee members on both sides of the aisle for participating. We look forward to working with legislators and stakeholders on next steps.
As we move forward in those next steps, we need your voice! On October 25, ABC of Pennsylvania will host an in-person Free Enterprise Day in Harrisburg. This is your opportunity to interact with key legislators who hold the power to make the change we are seeking. Training will be available before the event to prepare you. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Sponsorships available! Click Here to register.
Join ABC PA Chapters at Annual Free Enterprise Day!
October 25, 2021 – in Harrisburg
- Be a part of ABC’s advocacy efforts
- Connect with elected officials and staff to further free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy through policy
- Meet ABC members from across the Commonwealth and build relationships
- Learn more about the current state of politics and policy in Pennsylvania
- Tour the Pennsylvania Capitol and meet with elected officials from your respective region to discuss issues that are of importance to the association
If you are not signed-up to receive email alerts, please download the “ABC Action App” from the app store on your mobile device or at abc.org/abcaction.
Posted September 27, 2021
