A new study has outlined the steel industry’s impact on the Pennsylvania economy, members of the House Steel Caucus said on Thursday.
State Reps. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) and Frank Burns (D-Cambria) joined other members of the caucus to discuss the findings of the study during a caucus meeting at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works, Irvin Plant.
The study from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development looked at the economic impact the steel industry has on the state. According to the study, the industry added an estimated $20 billion to the state’s economy and approximately $100 billion to the economic output across the states.
“Through the years technologies change, but one thing that remains constant is our country’s need for steel,” Mihalek said. “Growing up in the Mon Valley community and later serving in our nation’s military, I know firsthand the importance of American steel to our state’s economy and for the country’s national security. I am pleased to co-chair the House Steel Caucus meeting today and highlight the importance of Pennsylvania steel manufacturing.”
The study also found that the industry supports 108,000 jobs at primary and secondary metals manufacturing facilities, and 300,000 jobs overall.
Legislators said they supported efforts to protect the industry and preserve the jobs and economic growth spurred by “Made in America” manufacturing.
“We are very proud that the steel industry provides so many family-sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania. According to the study, the steel industry supports approximately 300,000 primary and secondary jobs,” said Bernie Hall, co-chair of the PA Steel Alliance. “We are proud to represent many of these workers and we sincerely appreciate the members of the House Steel Caucus for caring about the industry, our workers and the issues important to us.”