|
|
|
|
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credit Doubles
A major legislative priority of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce became law in October. The legislation, HB 645, will increase the cap on the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit from $18M to $36M, effective July 1, 2019. HB 645 became law as Act 100 of 2018 on October 24.
The NAP program successfully puts public-private partnerships into action and focuses corporate support in neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh region and across the state that are committed to revitalizing themselves. An increase on the NAP tax credit cap will allow the financial commitments of businesses engaged in helping these communities to be more fully leveraged. The current $18 million cap has never been lifted since the NAP’s inception in 1971.
In 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce created the NAP Coalition to bring together 90-plus statewide businesses, nonprofits and other allied organizations to speak with one voice about increasing the annual cap on the NAP tax credit. A year later, the coalition’s unified voice was heard, resulting in a win that will see the NAP cap doubled in 2019.
The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to the General Assembly for the bipartisan leadership and support of House Bill 645, sponsored by Representative Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks). Alongside Rep. O’Neill, legislative champions of the bill were Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny), Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny) and Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny). Their bipartisan leadership has moved along legislation to increase thoughtful investment in Pennsylvania’s underserved, but promising, communities – providing them with economic energy and greater opportunity.
|
|
|
|
Photo: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
|
|
Driver's License Reform
Becomes Law
A critical step in support of the Allegheny Conference's economic inclusion agenda, HB 163, the driver’s license reform bill, became law as Act 95 of 2018 when Governor Wolf signed the bill on October 24. The bipartisan legislation removes certain non-driving related offenses from automatic driver’s license suspension.
The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce put this bill at the top of its policy agenda over the past several months and constructed a temporary coalition to advocate for the issue with key partners, such as The Pittsburgh Foundation.
To learn more about the Driver’s License Reform bill, read this column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette authored by Matt Smith, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and Maxwell King, president and CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation.
|
|
Great Lakes Metro Chamber Coalition Hosts CTE Webinar
The Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition hosted the What’s Next for CTE? Webinar in October. The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce supported the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and, along with member companies and educators, helped to organize and participated in a roundtable with Senator Casey’s office in June to weigh in on the education and training priorities in the Pittsburgh region that the Perkins legislation funds. The webinar was a continuation of those efforts and highlighted how the Pittsburgh region is a leader in streamlined career and technical education.
Representatives from the Allegheny Conference, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and CCAC discussed their efforts to create an efficient, unified career and technical education system in high schools and colleges. To listen to a recording of the webinar, click here.
|
|
Great Lakes Metro Chamber Coalition Hosts CTE Webinar
The Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition hosted the What’s Next for CTE? Webinar in October. The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce supported the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and, along with member companies and educators, helped to organize and participated in a roundtable with Senator Casey’s office in June to weigh in on the education and training priorities in the Pittsburgh region that the Perkins legislation funds. The webinar was a continuation of those efforts and highlighted how the Pittsburgh region is a leader in streamlined career and technical education.
Representatives from the Allegheny Conference, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and CCAC discussed their efforts to create an efficient, unified career and technical education system in high schools and colleges. To listen to a recording of the webinar, click here.
|
|
|
|
Left to right: Lance Chimka, Jenn Beer, Jennifer Liptak, Matt Smith
|
|
Photos: October First Friday with Lance Chimka, Director of Allegheny County Economic Development
Our October First Friday event featured Lance Chimka, Director of Allegheny County Economic Development. We appreciate Lance taking the time to provide an update on local economic development. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Allegheny County to improve the economy and quality of life in the 10-county Pittsburgh region. To view photos from the event, click here.
Join us for our November First Friday event which will feature Eugene DePasquale, PA Auditor General. The event will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018, at 11 Stanwix Street. Networking and a continental breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m., with the program from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Please RSVP your attendance to Diane Hughley.
Our First Friday series, presented by UPMC Health Plan, brings together the region's private sector and public affairs community to engage with elected and other public officials on issues that are important to the region's economy and quality of life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
