House Republicans unveil legislative package aimed at Pa.’s COVID-19 recovery efforts

House Republicans introduced Wednesday a legislative package, including four bills and one resolution, designed to foster Pennsylvania’s economic recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pro-jobs, recovery-focused legislative plan, entitled “Commonwealth’s COVID Comeback,” specifically aims to incentivize manufacturing and job creation in Pennsylvania without imposing new taxes or fees.

“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,” Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), a package cosponsor, said. “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.”

Commonwealth’s COVID Comeback has garnered strong support from state manufacturing and industry support groups, including Pittsburgh Works Together, a partnership between the business community and labor unions in the Pittsburgh area focused on job growth and economic development.

“As a non-partisan organization uniting labor, business, workforce development and community leaders, Pittsburgh Works is pleased to see proposals that reflect our goal of making this region the center of the post-COVID economic comeback,” said Jeff Nobers, executive director of Pittsburgh Works Together.

The first bill in the package, introduced by Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), focuses on bringing more jobs back to the state.

“Earlier this year, we discovered how scary it can be when the supply chain is interrupted, and that becomes even more profound when we’re reliant on another country,” he said. “Making critical supplies in America is more important than ever.”

Kail’s bill would allow the Commonwealth Financial Authority to designate strategic and targeted zones to be used as the base of operations for manufacturing. Business within the designated zones would receive tax abatements as well as targeted job creation tax credits.

The second bill, introduced by Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), seeks to encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to establish operations and create more jobs by lowering the Corporate Net Income Tax from 9.99 percent to 5.00 percent by Jan. 1, 2025. Currently, Pennsylvania’s tax rates are the third-highest in the country, making it difficult for companies to choose the state, particularly with state COVID policies also shuttering existing business, Mihalek said.

The third bill, authored by Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne), seeks to spur state business by streamlining the permit process of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would specifically deem DEP permit applications administratively complete if accompanied by a professional engineer’s affidavit attesting to the application’s sufficiency. Additionally, the DEP would be required to render a decision on any permit application without an affidavit within 45 days.

The final bill, authored by Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland), addresses commonsense protections via limited liability to the critical suppliers, healthcare providers, and employers operating during the pandemic.

“Our health care workers, manufacturers and businesses stepped up during the pandemic when the Commonwealth needed them most,” Ecker said. “They deserve the commonsense liability protection that would be afforded to them in my proposal. By providing this protection, these industries can continue to do their jobs with confidence.”

Lastly, the resolution in the package, drafted by Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset), would create a committee to review opportunities for the development of new industries in Pennsylvania, including advanced manufacturing.

“It is vital that we plan for our future success by identifying opportunities to grow, change and capitalize on our unique strengths, including our natural resources, outstanding higher education institutions and the strong work ethic of our citizens,” Reese said. “The study I propose to create through my legislation will be a cornerstone in this effort.”

House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) expressed support for the package and its sponsors, stating that the work they have accomplished is a reflection of the top priorities of the House Republican Caucus.

“The package of bills being unveiled today reflects the overarching priority of our caucus to bring Pennsylvania’s economy to life again. To, once again, make Pennsylvania the envy of the east,” Benninghoff said.