Hearing examines workforce shortages

A recently Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee hearing focused on workforce shortages.

According to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey released in May, 49 percent of Americans who became unemployed during the pandemic are not actively or not very actively seeking work.

“As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania is facing a serious workforce crisis that is threatening our businesses and slowing our economic recovery,” said State Sen. John Yudichak (I-Luzerne/Carbon), committee chairman, said. “Businesses across my district and throughout the Commonwealth have been forced to curtail their hours of operation or even close because of a workforce shortage.”

Testifiers included representatives from the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and local business owners.

John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, testified that shortages in the hospitality industry are exacerbated because it takes many people to run a hotel or restaurant.

“There are several ways the legislature can help us address this crisis, including support for industry-specific workforce development programs and the association health plan, which would allow our members to affordably provide health insurance to their employees,” Longstreet said.