HARRISBURG (May, 13, 2015) — The National
Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Pennsylvania’s largest
small-business group with 15,000 members, praised the state Senate for
passing Senate Bill 1, which would reform the current state pension
system.
“Pennsylvania’s
public pension deficit is the single-greatest financial threat facing the
commonwealth, school districts and ultimately taxpayers, including
small-business owners,” said NFIB State Legislative Director, Neal Lesher.
“We
need more jobs and a robust state economy, yet small-business owners are
hesitant to borrow to expand and hire when they don’t know if the growing state
pension crisis will result in higher taxes,” said Lesher, “Those job creators
say why take the risk when there’s such uncertainty.”
Meaningful
pension reform must significantly reduce the risk taxpayers have been exposed
to and produce savings. SB 1 accomplishes those goals and represents a
comprehensive strategy that takes into account the information learned through
an exhaustive process.
“The Senate
must be praised for taking action on such a tough issue and we hope to see
similar action soon in the House.”
NFIB thanks
Senate Majority Leader, Jake Corman,
Senate President, Joe Scarnati, and Senators Pat Browne and John Eichelberger
for their leadership in moving this bill to passage in the Senate.
