New House task force to prioritize economic recovery in current legislative session

The formation of a Pennsylvania House of Representatives caucus task force that will examine and develop economic recovery policy for the current legislative session was announced Tuesday by House Republicans.

At a press conference held at the state Capitol, Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre-Mifflin), joined by members of the Economic Recovery Task Force and other House Republicans, noted that Pennsylvania must align home-grown assets with economic growth opportunities. Task force members include lawmakers with varied backgrounds from across the Commonwealth.

“Their charge is simple,” Benninghoff said of the task force. “Examine how we got here and develop and strategize legislative and policy ideas to kick-start the economy and make Pennsylvania the ‘envy of the East.’”

Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks), a task force member, said that state lawmakers are obligated to repair the financial damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the creation of the task force is a much-needed step in that direction.

“We must help Pennsylvania’s businesses rebound from this crisis and thrive, but we must also focus on attracting new businesses to our state through economic policies that remove the obstacles to economic growth,” Thomas said. “In the end, the work of this task force will create a roadmap for helping businesses flourish and stand strong in the face of any future crisis.”

Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) is coordinating the efforts of the task force, specifically focused on legislative solutions that will help Pennsylvania business owners the opportunity to expand their livelihood, hire additional staff, and provide for their communities.

“It is time to get Pennsylvania back on its feet and onto a path of economic recovery in a safe and effective manner,” he said. “With difficult challenges come great opportunities and we are faced with the opportunity to not only recover but come back stronger.”