Advocacy Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC

October 2, 2025

Pennsylvania Treasury Announces Short-Term Funding Relief for Children and Vulnerable Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced last week that the Treasury Department will provide $500 million to Head Start providers and county governments to ease the impact of the ongoing state budget impasse. The money will be made available through a short-term investment loan program. Treasury will contact eligible organizations directly. To qualify, the funds must…

September 11, 2025

Shapiro Administration Approves SEPTA Funding to Avoid Service Cuts

Governor Josh Shapiro approved a request from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to shift up to $394 million in capital funds from the Public Transportation Trust Fund into daily operations. The move allows SEPTA to avoid planned service cuts for the next two years. These funds are usually reserved for long-term projects and equipment…

September 11, 2025

Data Center Development with Sen. Keefer and PA Chamber

At the September Policy Pulse Speaker Series, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber hosted Pennsylvania Senator Dawn Keefer (31) and Neal Lesher, Government Affairs Director for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry. They spoke with attendees about the growth of data centers in the Commonwealth. Senator Keefer serves on the Senate Majority Policy Committee, which recently…

September 11, 2025

Supporting Regional Businesses in Washington, D. C.

On Wednesday, September 3, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber joined the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, the Lancaster Chamber, the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the York County Economic Alliance for the annual South Central PA Regional D.C. Fly-In. Together, the group represented 7 counties, 2.2 million residents, and $121.6 billion in GDP. We met with…

August 27, 2025

Harrisburg Amtrak Services at Risk Amid Funding Stalemate

Amtrak officials have warned that train service in Harrisburg could face disruptions if Pennsylvania lawmakers fail to resolve a transit funding dispute. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) depends on state funding to support public transit in the Philadelphia region. Some of those funds also help maintain rail lines owned by Amtrak that serve riders…

August 27, 2025

PA DEP Expands SPEED Permitting Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has expanded its Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program to include more types of environmental permits. DEP launched the SPEED program in June 2025 to help businesses and communities move projects forward faster while still meeting environmental standards. Through the program, applicants can choose a…

Ryan Unger speaking on behalf of Crane Clean Energy

August 14, 2025

Support for Energy Development in Central Pennsylvania

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber voiced strong support for the Crane Clean Energy Center at a recent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission hearing. This project presents a vital opportunity for Central Pennsylvania, bringing high-quality jobs, reliable clean energy, and long-term economic growth to our region. President and CEO Ryan Unger spoke on behalf of the Chamber, advocating…

August 13, 2025

Pennsylvania Launches Micro, Midsize Business Programs

Micro and midsize businesses in Pennsylvania will now have more access to contracting opportunities with the Commonwealth through two new programs launched by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) on Wednesday, July 23. The new Micro Business and Midsize Business Programs will complement the Small Business, Small Diverse Business, and Veteran Business Enterprise programs,…

July 31, 2025

U.S. Chamber Shares Updates on Tariff Policy

HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Tuesday, July 8, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several regional chambers to provide updates on tariff policy and international trade developments. The virtual webinar featured Isabelle Icso, executive director of international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who offered an overview…

July 31, 2025

DEP Launches SPEED Program; Shirley to Speak at Policy Pulse

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, aimed at improving permitting efficiency and supporting economic growth. Announced June 30 by Secretary Jessica Shirley and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, SPEED allows applicants to pay for a DEP-approved third-party inspector to…

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