Minutes from March 2, 2017 Govt. Affairs Meeting
- Renewed goals of GAC have been established.
From the Council: Identify legislative issues that impact local businesses, then educate them and advocate on their behalf.
From the Board:
Agree with the above, plus:
If the GAC is aware of proposed government action (especially local, County, or State), that does or could impact businesses in the Exton Area:
- Educate members about this issue; and
- If the GAC feels that it would be advantageous to local businesses to take a formal position regarding a specific legislation or proposed action, and advocate on Members’ behalf, then make a recommendation to the Board.
The Board has agreed to evaluate recommendations from the GAC and, if agreed upon, the ERCC will take a public position regarding that legislation or proposed action, and spread the word.
2. Three members of the GAC (D. Farrington, K. Klein, and R. Christy) and Laurie K. met with Senator Dinniman about the status of SB-76, which was narrowly defeated in 2016. This failed legislation asked for the elimination of property taxes and increases in sales and service taxes. Sen. Dinniman explained how his status as the Minority head of the Education Committee requires him to balance the need of the state with the needs of Chester County constituents. (He also represents “The T”.)
- There will probably be a compromise where the property tax is decreased and sales tax is increased.
- Looking to close the loophole for DE business tax.
- It will be tough to impose taxes on professional services.
3. Draft PA Budget was proposed by Governor Wolf. No mention of Pension Reform. Issues includedreduction of property taxes, elimination of certain tax exemptions, minimum wage increase to $12 an hour and Taxes on Natural Gas Industry.
- Town Hall on March 16, Jennifer Reis from PA Chamber of Commerce will address these issues. Will be held at Downingtown CC from 11:30-1:00. $25.00
4. Discussed ideas for events next year. Instead of separate Town Halls, GAC will plan and be responsible for two of the Monthly Luncheons. Ideas include County Commissioners and/or Local Representatives.
5. It was agreed to continue meetings with local Townships. However, we will focus more heavily on townships that have the most going on (development, traffic, infrastructure, etc.) impacting businesses in the Exton region.
- Next township is East Whiteland on May 4. Mark Reale agreed to contact them.
6. It was agreed that each member of the GAC will “follow” a certain legislatoror organization (i.e. Chamber) to report back to the GAC on issues that may affect businesses in the region. Each month, on the last Thursday of the month, each member will forward to Dave and Laurie a summary of notable issues/actions from their selected official(s). Laurie will circulate a list of regulators to be followed.
Elizabeth Mell, Laurie, and Dave will coordinate on approximately the last day of each month to review the identified issues/actions. Based on our discussion, Elizabeth volunteered to compile a summary for review and discussion by the members of the GAC.