NFIB Applauds Passage of Pension Reform

National Federation of Independent Business • 225 State Street, Suite B • Harrisburg, PA 17101 • 717/232-8582 • Fax: 717/232-4098
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Suzanne Stoltenberg 717-232-8582 x1 [email protected]

NFIB Praises General Assembly for Passing Pension Reform Bill
Growing state debt leaves small business uncertain about financial future and hinders growth

HARRISBURG (June 30, 2015) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) praised the General Assembly for passing Senate Bill 1, which would reform the state’s pension system. NFIB is Pennsylvania’s largest small-business group with 15,000 members in the state.

"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/PA State Legislative Director, Neal Lesher.

"The pension plan the legislature passed moves all future employees into a defined contribution style plan. That’s key, and it reflects what already occurred in the private sector decades ago.

"It’s easy to come to Harrisburg and simply seek to raise taxes and maintain the status quo. True leadership requires rolling up the sleeves and enacting fundamental reforms to the way government operates.

"While SB 1 does not contain all of the reforms that some of us would have liked to see, it still represents a significant step forward to bring government in line with the 21st century.

"After years of debate, and countless hours of work for the legislature to get to this point, it would be a shame for the Governor to simply say no and veto this historic reform. I hope he will consider this legislation fairly and come down on the side of the taxpayer."

# # #

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.