Legislation aims to increase job opportunities statewide

Legislation passed by the state Senate this week would increase public-private partnerships and enhance employment opportunities.

Senate Bill 706 would create a Max Manufacturing Initiative Fund and Max Manufacturing Endeavor Loan Fund within the State Treasury. The funds would issue grants to applicants engaging in or facilitating advanced manufacturing. This includes renovation and retrofitting, integrated systems and facilities acquisition, and purchasing equipment.

The bill also would create stronger public-private partnerships between state universities and private groups to maximize research capabilities with cutting-edge technologies.

In addition, the bill imposes powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“When I took office, I promised the 37th District I would prioritize job creation and boost our economy by capitalizing on the resources, industries, and state-of-the-art research facilities that we have in our very own backyard,” said state Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny and Washington counties), who introduced the bill. “This legislation has the potential to advance the Pittsburgh region’s role as a world leader in additive manufacturing, and represents a vision for opportunities like this all across the Commonwealth.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. It has the support of Allegheny County, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and manufacturing industry leaders.