PA House advances bill to support small businesses, reduce blight

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently advanced legislation that would create a new mechanism that municipalities could use to reduce blight and support local small businesses.

The bill, H.B. 324, would enable the creation of programs to provide loan assistance to low-income Pennsylvanians to establish microenterprises, businesses that employ one to five people, as well as real property tax abatement for properties used to develop such businesses.

“Developing microenterprises would not only help create jobs, but also make our communities more attractive places to live and work,” State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D-Berks), Democratic chair of the Urban Affairs Committee, said. “If enacted, the bill will enable cities and communities like Reading to utilize existing administrative entities, including municipal authorities, acquire blighted property and issue loans to microbusinesses, providing more opportunities to re-use downtown buildings and support small businesses. The passage of this bill would be a big win for economic development and community revitalization in Pennsylvania.”

Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) introduced the bill. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.