Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
By Alex Roché, Director of Advocacy, GRCA The primary election is one of those things that can sneak up on people, but in a lot of cases, it really matters. For folks across Berks County, it is your first chance to weigh in on who is going to be making decisions that affect your day-to-day …
By Julian Collazo, Marketing Communications & Development Intern, GRCA Published: April 21, 2026 Housing in Berks County is no longer just a real estate issue. It is directly tied to workforce availability, economic growth and long-term community stability. At the April Business and Community Advocacy Council (BCAC) meeting, members focused on a central question: how do …
By Julian Collazo, Marketing Communications & Development Intern, GRCA We often talk a lot about how powerful AI is. What once felt like a future concept has quickly become part of everyday life for businesses, schools and local governments. At the latest Business and Community Advocacy Council (BCAC) meeting, members discussed new developments in artificial intelligence policy, …
By Julian Collazo, Marketing Communications & Development Intern, GRCA Pennsylvania’s FY 2025-26 state budget is now in place, bringing much needed clarity after a four-month impasse following the original June 30 deadline. At the latest Business and Community Advocacy Council (BCAC) meeting, members heard directly from Sen. Judy Schwank, who explained how the budget came …
Overview The balanced $50.1 billion FY 2025–26 budget increases education funding, advances cyber charter reforms and includes language withdrawing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Passed by the House 156–47 and the Senate 40–9, the plan was quickly signed by Gov. Shapiro. Spending rises roughly $2.5 billion (5%), primarily for public schools, while …