A story that got five seconds on the evening news and just a few paragraphs of ink on page three deserves a lot more attention. The latest figures from the Department of Labor & Industry show that the state’s unemployment level under Governor Tom Corbett now stands at 5.6 percent. It’s the lowest level in the state since 2008; far lower than the national rate of 6.3 percent.
One-third of all applicants are ineligible for good-paying jobs in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector due to drug use or drug test avoidance, according to a new study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association and conducted by Tel Opinion Research. The survey of 200 manufacturing business executives focused on their companies’ experience with drug testing and its impact on their workforce. The results indicate drug use by both potential and current workers is a legitimate concern facing the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania.
Testimony presented to the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee
in support of House Bill 1507
Presented by: David N. Taylor, Executive Director
This episode focuses on the revenue side of the budget equation. PMA's Carl Marrara travels to Bellefonte, PA to discuss this the upcoming budget debate with Chairman of the House Finance Committee, Representative Kerry Benninghoff. David Taylor then has a news-maker interview with Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Dan Meuser, to examine why revenue estimates have been lower than expected and what will be done to correct the problem. The episode concludes with President & CEO of PMA, Frederick W. Anton III, giving the "Final Word" on this important topic.
Reforming state government continues to be a big part of Tom Corbett’s agenda. As Attorney General he investigated and prosecuted lawmakers of both parties who used taxpayers’ money and state time for political campaigning, including the “Bonusgate” scandal. In his bid for a second four-year term as governor, he cites past reform accomplishments and additional changes he will pursue over his next term.
The Rising Political Clout of the Leadership Conference
Ron Miller said that a 2012 US Chamber of Commerce study entitled “Sabotage, Stalking and Stealth Exemptions: Special State Law for Labor Unions” alerted him to the special union carve-out. Pennsylvania stands out in the study, but is certainly not alone. Illinois, California, Nevada, and Wisconsin have similar laws protecting bad actors.
The study notes that the Wisconsin Legislature found it necessary to explicitly state that the crime of sabotage cannot be construed in any way that would impair or curtail any labor organizing activities.
Governor Tom Corbett recently said that Pennsylvania’s school funding systems should be changed to “a true funding system” that is fair to all schools.
Governor Corbett’s energy plan stems from a fundamental belief and trust in the job creation benefits of a free market system. It also recognizes that our energy industry, by safely drilling in the Marcellus Shale, is leading the way in creating jobs..
Figures from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry:
Nearly 242,000 new hires in Pa. are supported by industries associated with shale development.
PMA calls for government to stop collecting political money for private groups
HARRISBURG, PA -- The Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association supports House Bill 1507, sponsored by Representative Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), and Senate Bill 1034, sponsored by Senator John Eichelberger (R-Blair), to end the corrupt practice of using taxpayer money on political activities.