State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) announced Friday that he had hosted a public hearing of the House Majority Policy Committee to discuss barriers related to starting up and growing a business in today’s economy.
The hearing, held Thursday in Pottsville, was aimed at taking a deeper look at how current and prospective business owners are coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, as well as regulatory challenges and workforce challenges.
“This is an important conversation to have on a nationwide issue. With the Commonwealth’s unemployment and inflation rate, it is harder now than ever to start, let alone keep, a business,” Twardzik said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to support them in any way that we can.”
Witnesses at the hearing testified that overreaching and harmful government policies, such as the COVID shutdowns and federal energy policies, have impeded businesses’ ability to make ends meet. Witnesses also expressed a need for increasing technical and workforce training opportunities.
“My family bakery has survived the great depression, the Spanish flu, World War I, World War II, and every recession, but I do not know if it will be able to survive the policies of the democrats in Harrisburg and D.C.,” Larry Padora, owner of Padora’s Italian Bakery, said. “I fear in this current climate that to be an entrepreneur is quickly being snuffed out.”
Legislators said it was crucial to hear from entrepreneurs to make better policy decisions.
“Small business owners like the ones we heard from are so vital to our communities and the future of our state’s economy,” said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), chairman of the committee. “We need to continue adopting policies that will facilitate worker training, reduce regulatory burdens and invest in infrastructure. Then, government needs to get out of the way and let these business owners do what they do best.”
Witnesses suggested possible future policies include more training to prepare students for real-life experiences, as well as more high-tech and vocational-technical education. John Powers, CEO of Ash/Tec, said, “The end game must be a top-notch, educated, skilled workforce that can keep Pennsylvania thriving.”
“Elements from this year’s state budget will help with unemployment and reduce taxes for small businesses, but there is more work to do to facilitate new and growing businesses in today’s economy,” Twardzik concluded.
Video of the hearing, as well as submitted testimony is available at www.pagopolicy.com.