Pennsylvania Lawmakers Unite to Boost Economic Competitiveness, Reverse Population Decline
Pennsylvania faces a critical juncture, and a newly formed bipartisan caucus is urging state leaders to prioritize policies designed to attract investment and stem the state’s population loss. The Pennsylvania Economic Competitiveness Caucus, established in 2024, is advocating for a comprehensive approach to economic growth as the General Assembly considers the 2025-2026 state budget.
A Bipartisan Push for Growth
The Caucus, comprised of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and both chambers of the legislature, is focused on removing obstacles to opportunity and fostering a climate conducive to private-sector investment, job creation, and innovation. According to a statement released by the group, the goal is to reverse a concerning trend of population decline that threatens Pennsylvania’s long-term economic health.
“Our Commonwealth is at a pivotal moment,” a senior official stated. “The policies we advance now will determine whether Pennsylvania can thrive or continue to fall behind.”
Tax Policy and Long-Term Strategy
A key component of the Caucus’s strategy centers on maintaining the current schedule for phasing down the Corporate Net Income Tax. Lawmakers successfully passed legislation in 2022 to reduce the rate from 9.99 percent to 4.99 percent by 2031, and the Caucus is advocating for continued adherence to this plan. Pennsylvania has historically been burdened with high corporate taxes, and sustaining this commitment to reduction is seen as a signal to businesses that the state is serious about attracting and retaining investment.
A Broad Agenda for Economic Improvement
Beyond tax policy, the Caucus is prioritizing a wide range of areas crucial to economic competitiveness. These include:
- Energy policy
- Broadband infrastructure expansion
- Improvements to overall infrastructure
- Streamlining the regulatory climate and permitting processes
- Workforce development initiatives
- Comprehensive tax policy reform
These efforts are intended to create a more attractive business climate that encourages investment and, ultimately, attracts and retains a skilled workforce.
Leadership and Collaboration
The Pennsylvania Economic Competitiveness Caucus is chaired by Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), and Representatives Paul Friel (D-Chester) and Josh Kail (R-Beaver). The Caucus’s stated aim is to unify efforts across the Capitol and party lines to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure a robust, dynamic economy for years to come.
“The Pennsylvania Economic Competitiveness Caucus stands ready to work with our legislative colleagues and the Shapiro administration to advance these priorities that set Pennsylvania on a path to sustained prosperity,” the Caucus affirmed in a recent release.
