Lawmakers hold 2020 Vision Summit to discuss economic development in Western Pennsylvania

Representatives on the House Majority Policy Committee and House Transportation Committee recently held a 2020 Vision Summit to the state Legislature can invest in western Pennsylvania and promote economic development.

“The purpose of this summit is to have local businesses and organizations engage with members of our state Legislature to discuss the issues that are impacting them,” Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) said. “The biggest problem that was discussed at today’s event was workplace development. Both local businesses/organizations and our Legislature are working together to address this issue.”

Day 1 of the summit included the House Transportation Committee touring Charleroi’s Lock and Dam a public hearing hosted by the House Majority Policy Committee. At the hearing, two panels testified about challenges affecting the local area, including workforce development and job shortages, and potential steps the state Legislature can take to help alleviate issues.

“Workforce development is a rising issue in our area,” Muriel Nuttal, executive director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, said. “The biggest challenge for area businesses is finding, hiring and keeping qualified, skilled employees.”

The second day of the summit included a roundtable discussion with the House Transportation Committee on green-streets and scenic byway programs as well as a tour of the Ohiopyle multi-modal project with PennDOT and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Participants agreed that work needs to be done to address workforce development and job shortage issues and to promote jobs that become available across the Commonwealth.

“It is contagious the energy and passion that Reps. Dowling, Bud Cook, and Ryan Warner have for Fayette County and for seeing the area become an economic engine with thriving tourism, good-paying jobs, and quality education,” Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) said. “The Policy Committee learned a lot about the unique attributes this region has to offer, and we will take that information back with us to Harrisburg.”