The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce opposes Senate Bill 204, legislation which would increase the minimum wage from $7.15 per hour to $7.75 per hour effective March 1, 2009 and from $7.75 per hour to $8.25 per hour effective March 1, 2010.
Our opposition to the adoption of this legislation stems from two sources. The first is our belief, grounded in empirical evidence, that wages are best determined by market forces rather than government. The second is that Delaware businesses, like those in our sister states, are facing the most challenging economic environment since the 1970s. Increased operating costs due to increased payroll costs will hurt the small business owner. This comes at a time of increased costs for electric, gas and other business supplies.
This legislation passed the Senate on March 2o and was subsequently assigned to the House Labor Committee, chaired by House Speaker Terry Spence. We strongly encourage Chamber members to contact members of this committee to express their opposition to this bill. The members are as follows (for their contact information click on their name):
Chairman:
Terry R. Spence
Vice-Chairman:
Vincent A. Lofink
Members:
William J. Carson
James Johnson
Pamela S. Maier
Nick T. Manolakos
Michael P. Mulrooney
William A. Oberle
Hazel D. Plant
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Budget Cuts are the Order of the Day
The current budget shortfall across fiscal years 2008 and 2009 is $373.7 million. In April, the General Assembly cut close to $75 million from this year's budget in April, including $41 million in reversions to the General Fund from the capital budget brought about by House Bill 357. On May 7, the House passed another round of cuts in the FY 2008 budget with House Bill 412, which cut an additional $8.26 million in cuts and reversions in the current capital budget.
The state remains more than $60 million behind for FY 2008, which ends on June 30. At the May 19 meeting of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council, an additional $25.46 million in cuts and reversions will be announced by the OMB Director J.J. Davis.
At the Chamber, we are closely monitoring the budget situation with an eye toward discouraging any increases in the gross receipts tax. During these challenging economic times, we can ill afford to have the gross receipts tax relief we secured in 2006 pulled back.
The state remains more than $60 million behind for FY 2008, which ends on June 30. At the May 19 meeting of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council, an additional $25.46 million in cuts and reversions will be announced by the OMB Director J.J. Davis.
At the Chamber, we are closely monitoring the budget situation with an eye toward discouraging any increases in the gross receipts tax. During these challenging economic times, we can ill afford to have the gross receipts tax relief we secured in 2006 pulled back.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
May 21 - A Day on Capitol Hill
Join us on Wednesday, May 21 for A Day on Capitol Hill!
You are invited to join us for one of the premier public policy events on the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce calendar this year – A Day on Capitol Hill . On the morning of May 21, a contingent of businesspeople and elected officials will depart via reserved rail car to Washington , D.C. for a day of special briefings, meetings with our Congressional delegation and a reception at Union Station.
This promises to be an exciting, interesting and informative day for all involved. The trip will provide an opportunity to spend time with your government officials and members of the business community and to discuss key federal issues affecting our state and our nation.
Price is $175/member, $200/non-member and includes the round trip on a private AMTRAK rail car, lunch and a special reception at the end of the day.
A tentative schedule follows:
• 8:30 a.m. Assemble at the Wilmington Train Station
• 9:05 a.m. Train Departs for Washington , D.C.
• 10:11 a.m. Arrival in Washington , D.C.
• 11:00 a.m. Luncheon Issues Briefing at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel
• 1:30 p.m. Briefings/Meetings with Congressional Delegation
• 4:45 p.m. Reception at B. Smiths in Union Station
• 7:10 p.m. Train Departs for Wilmington , DE
To register, please contact Myrle Bowman at (302) 294-2055, E-mail bowmanm@ncccc.com
You are invited to join us for one of the premier public policy events on the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce calendar this year – A Day on Capitol Hill . On the morning of May 21, a contingent of businesspeople and elected officials will depart via reserved rail car to Washington , D.C. for a day of special briefings, meetings with our Congressional delegation and a reception at Union Station.
This promises to be an exciting, interesting and informative day for all involved. The trip will provide an opportunity to spend time with your government officials and members of the business community and to discuss key federal issues affecting our state and our nation.
Price is $175/member, $200/non-member and includes the round trip on a private AMTRAK rail car, lunch and a special reception at the end of the day.
A tentative schedule follows:
• 8:30 a.m. Assemble at the Wilmington Train Station
• 9:05 a.m. Train Departs for Washington , D.C.
• 10:11 a.m. Arrival in Washington , D.C.
• 11:00 a.m. Luncheon Issues Briefing at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel
• 1:30 p.m. Briefings/Meetings with Congressional Delegation
• 4:45 p.m. Reception at B. Smiths in Union Station
• 7:10 p.m. Train Departs for Wilmington , DE
To register, please contact Myrle Bowman at (302) 294-2055, E-mail bowmanm@ncccc.com
Monday, May 5, 2008
Join us on May 6 for Barbecue and Ballots!
Join us on Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for a traditional beef and beer. There will be downhome cooking courtesy of Virginia Barbecue, beer, wine and soda. Don't miss the fun, food and political humor. There will be a nice mix of businesspeople and legislators.
When: Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
12 Penns Way, Corporate Commons
Cost to Attend: $25
To Register: Please contact Myrle Bowman @ bowmanm@ncccc.com or (302) 294-2055.
Proceeds benefit the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce PAC.
When: Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
12 Penns Way, Corporate Commons
Cost to Attend: $25
To Register: Please contact Myrle Bowman @ bowmanm@ncccc.com or (302) 294-2055.
Proceeds benefit the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce PAC.
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