Business Tax Relief (85)
Study after study shows Pennsylvania’s business taxes to be among the highest and least competitive in the nation. The “sticker shock” of high taxes makes it difficult to show a business relocation prospect all of Pennsylvania’s many attributes. To be competitive, it is essential that Pennsylvania continues to reform business tax rates and administration to enhance overall business competitiveness. Progress is being made as Act 55 of 2022 will gradually lower Pennsylvania’s highest-flat-rate-in-the-nation Corporate Net Income Tax of 9.99% to 4.99% by 2031. But more reforms are needed. Net Operating Loss should be uncapped from the current 40% as Pennsylvania is one of only 3 states that applies such a limit that discourages business investment. Other reforms include but are not limited to fairer and more uniform tax treatment of businesses paying at the Personal Income Tax threshold as is done in other states.
Energy (102)
Pennsylvania’s manufacturers must be able to procure plentiful, reliable, and affordable energy. This requires an infrastructure system and a regulatory climate that fosters generation, transmission, and distribution systems throughout the commonwealth. Now more than ever our nation and commonwealth need to move away from the energy politics that have failed so badly over the past decades and put our nation’s own resources to work for American consumers. Lawmakers should be focused on unleashing American energy leadership rather than hamstringing progress through an onslaught of duplicative permits and regulations.
Labor Issues (51)
Pennsylvania must have a level playing field that does not discriminate against workers based on affiliation or lack thereof with any group, must allow the marketplace to determine wages and benefits, must allow the same rules to apply to all groups regarding apprenticeship and training, and must not require compulsory membership in any labor-related group as a condition to employment. Additionally, workers compensation and unemployment compensation policies must be sound, solvent, and help people return to work.
Limits on Lawsuit Abuse (33)
Pennsylvania must enact reforms to make the state’s legal system fair, predictable, and even-handed. True, permanent, and comprehensive legal reform would create jobs and stimulate investment in the Commonwealth while actually reducing the expenses of state, municipal, and school district governments. Injured parties must be treated fairly, but justice doesn’t have to come at a price that threatens innovation, competition, and profitability.
Regulatory Reform (59)
It is imperative that Pennsylvania not enact laws or regulations that place the commonwealth at a competitive disadvantage to our competitor states. Laws and regulations should not be more stringent than federal regulations or laws unless there is a compelling reason that is unique to our commonwealth. Environmental regulations should be adopted based on sound scientific evidence to ensure that they are reasonable and within technological limits. It is prudent that these regulations actually achieve real environmental benefits and do not advantage one sector of the economy to the detriment of another.
Workforce/Education (59)
Businesses have a continuing need for employees who will arrive at work every day free of the influence of drugs or alcohol; be able to work in a group environment; read and give written instructions; make effective use of oral communication skills; perform basic math functions necessary for the job; and operate a piece of technology or equipment. The Commonwealth should regularly review existing education and workforce development programs to ensure that each is achieving high quality results at an acceptable cost-per-student. PMA supports school choice, coordinating and consolidating best-practice workforce development programs, and expansions of Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.