Rep. Kaufer introduces legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania economic development system

In a memorandum to all Pennsylvania House members Thursday, state Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) asked members to co-sponsor legislation that he said would strengthen the state’s economic development system.

Kaufer’s legislation would create a “concierge-style economic development service,” he said, for businesses considering moving to, expanding in, or maintaining operations in the state.

“Under this legislation, the Commonwealth Economic Development Action Team would be established as an office, which would be overseen by an executive director. The Commonwealth Economic Development Action Team would receive a separate appropriation, and the Department of Community and Economic Development would provide administrative support,” Kaufer wrote.

Through this system, businesses would be able to apply to receive help from the Commonwealth Economic Development Action Team with site selection, inter-agency coordination, referrals for economic development incentives, and assistance with program and permit applications.

Kaufer said that while there are offices in the executive branch that aim to provide similar services, they are not established by statute and have a more limited source of authority to assist businesses and be subject to changes in administrations.