Takac highlights need for jobs, economic development in rural PA
Committee examines obstacles for small businesses across state
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro August 27, 2024 | 12:36 PM
BELLEFONTE, Aug. 27 – Rural communities across the state face significant challenges as they support economic development and the creation of well-paying jobs that can replace traditional industries, including coal mining and manufacturing. Pennsylvania and its neighboring states are bracing for another 6% decline in its rural population in future years, and it’s a figure that experts forecast will increase if states are not prepared to address rural communities’ needs.
“The lack of good-paying jobs and opportunities is leading to a falling population, as young people move away, with a corresponding decrease in local small businesses and services such as grocery stores, banks and even health care,” said Rep. Paul Takac, who hosted the House Majority Policy Committee tour and roundtable discussion.
The committee toured Actuated Medical, a product innovator that has recently more than doubled its square footage. During the pandemic, it produced an estimated 85,000 face shields, and hired an additional eight employees to help supply personal protective equipment for a wide variety of customers that included EMTs as well as football players – both locally and as far away as Texas. It has also designed, developed and produced a device to help clear and clean feeding tubes, which often become clogged with medication. That device was first used on a soldier at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Following the tour, the committee participated in a roundtable discussion.
“Rep. Takac assembled a room full of entrepreneurs, investors and development specialists to help us learn more about the policies that are generating sustainable economic development and growth in rural Pennsylvania,” said Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County.
Testifiers detailed how the Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit Program has aided in the creation of jobs in Pennsylvania. In addition to that program, Takac also championed the new PA Agriculture Innovation Fund which also became law this year. That $10 million program will provide farmers and agribusinesses with grant opportunities to adopt new technologies and best practices to increase efficiencies and benefit the environment.
“Creating opportunities and helping every community thrive – both here in my hometown and across the Commonwealth – is one of my top priorities as a state representative,” said Takac, who represents portions of Centre County. “I’m grateful for everyone who came out today from across Pennsylvania and beyond to talk about these challenges and how to best address this complex issue. This will remain an ongoing conversation, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to bring folks together to help address this significant challenge.”
Tuesday’s House Majority Policy Committee roundtable featured input and testimony from Dr. Maureen L. Mulvihill, the CEO and cofounder of Actuated Medical; Dr. Kyle Kopko, the executive director for Center for Rural Pennsylvania; John Sider, the vice president of business development at Ben Franklin Technology of Central and Northern Pennsylvania; Pet Grum, a venture partner in private equity for Advantage Capital; Stephan Levitsky, the COO and vice president of sustainability for Phospholutions; Gregory Scott, the president and CEO for Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County; and Betsy Lockwood, the director of project development and grants for Susquehanna Economic Development Association and Council of Governments.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.