By: G. David Sload, ABC President-CEO
Last month I shared the news that our Markley Street PLA decision had been appealed by the Secretary of the DOT. As I sat to begin this month’s article, I was informed that the Secretary had withdrawn her appeal. Why so suddenly? Was it the article in the Central Penn Business Journal, the op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer, or the calls made to legislators from members? While we may never know, I believe it was a combination of all the above.
As we enter this new session of the State House and Senate, we have the opportunity to move several pieces of Legislation that we have been working on for years. However, to get this done we need to mobilize the members. We have the sponsors, now we need to get all of our legislators on board.
Two issues in particular are Senator Martin’s SB104 and SB105, and Representative Gleim’s HB559. SB104 is the Open Contracting Act. This bill would make it illegal to place PLAs on publicly state funded projects. SB105 and the House companion bill HB559 would change the apprenticeship statute to create a 1-to-1 apprenticeship ratio. This change in the ratio would allow for the expansion of apprenticeship training at a time when workforce development is so critical.
We will be asking for members to send letters in support of both pieces of legislation. The good news is that you can start your support sooner. On April 8th we will be hosting our annual State Legislative Day at the Capitol. All Chapters from across PA will gather to visit our legislators and share with them what is important to us as business owners. While they hear from ABC constantly, it is really when they hear from constituents that they act.
Help ABC and your fellow business owners and be part of the solution. Register to be with us on April 8. In addition to legislative visits, you will have lunch with a speaker to be announced. We have also confirmed that the Governor will be addressing us in the afternoon. So, if you haven’t before, now is the time to “Get Into Politics.”
ABC PA Free Enterprise Day / Monday, April 8, 2019 / 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
This is your chance to meet face-to-face with your legislators! – Register today!
March 29, 2019
