State House Republicans yesterday unveiled what they call a “pro-jobs, recovery-focused plan to revive Pennsylvania’s economy”, in response to the devastation done to the state by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The package of four bills and one resolution called “Commonwealth’s COVID Comeback” is intended to incentivize manufacturing and job creation without imposing any new taxes or fees.
Representative Jim Struzzi saluted the state’s residents for their resiliency over the last several months, and said while Governor Wolf wants to use the legalization of recreational marijuana to address Pennsylvania’s budget shortfalls, the GOP plan “looks to present new opportunities for good, well-paying jobs that will advance our economy for years to come.”
Struzzi has signed on as co-sponsor of the legislation contained in the package.
REP. JIM STRUZZI’S STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE PACKAGE:
“Pennsylvanians have truly shown their resiliency over the last several months. They have demonstrated the ability to do what it takes to face and overcome challenges. This package builds on that very momentum and moves us forward to begin to put those difficulties behind us. My colleagues and I are committed to not only recovery, but the growth of Pennsylvania’s economy.
“Governor Wolf has expressed a desire to legalize recreational marijuana in order to address our budgetary shortfalls. My colleagues and I believe that as we work past this period of uncertainty, it is not the time to introduce a concept that is riddled with questions and potential consequences. Instead, our plan looks to present new opportunities for good, well-paying jobs that will advance our economy for years to come, building financial stability for our hard-working families across the Commonwealth.
“I am proud to cosponsor these pieces of legislation that prioritize the revitalization of our economy. I look forward to more coordination with the business community as we work toward not just a new normal, but a Pennsylvania that is better than ever.”
THE LEGISLATION:
- Josh Kail’s bill would allow the Commonwealth Financing Authority to designate strategic and targeted zones in the state to be used as the base of operations for manufacturing. Businesses in those zones would receive tax abatements for state and local taxes and would be eligible for targeted job creation tax credits.
- Natalie Mihalek’s bill would encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to create more jobs in the Commonwealth by lowering the Corporate Net Income Tax from 9.99% to 5.99% by Jan. 1, 2025.
- Jonathan Fritz’s bill would ensure permitting decisions are made promptly and reliably by deeming Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permit applications administratively complete if accompanied by a professional engineer’s affidavit attesting to the sufficiency of the application. DEP would be required to render a decision on any permit application without an affidavit within 45 days.
- Torren Ecker’s bill would provide commonsense protections via limited liability to the critical suppliers, health care providers and employers operating during the pandemic.
- The resolution in the package, drafted by Rep. Mike Reese, would create a committee to review opportunities for the development of new industries in the Commonwealth, including advanced manufacturing.
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