A recent hearing of the House Majority Policy Committee heard testimony on how to regrow the economy in the southwestern region of the state.
Economic development leaders and local business owners spoke.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the region, but those who testified said they believed the future would be bright if government limitations and delays can be lessened or eliminated.
Those who testified included Michael Malcanas, a New Kensington developer; Jon Nehlsen, associate dean at Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz College; Dr. Kevin Snider, Penn State New Kensington chancellor; and David Vivino, president and co-owner of Oakmont Tavern.
Topics discussed include providing opportunities for low-income residents, the financial losses experienced by restaurants, investing in infrastructure, streamlining permitting and licensing, and implementing artificial intelligence across state government.
“We can invest with our own capital and with our own hard work if you focus on giving us tools and removing barriers to do so,” Nehlsen said. “Pennsylvanians don’t want an old four-cylinder. We want the brand new HEMI that will allow us to drive our economy forward for decades to come,”
Committee Chairman Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso (R-Allegheny/Westmoreland) hosted the hearing, before which the committee toured local businesses.