Kulik hosts policy hearing on how women in business manage COVID-19

Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik    October 15, 2020 | 12:12 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – State Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, today held a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on women in business and how they’ve fared through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hearing, held at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, featured testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and local businesswomen about their experiences. Kulik was joined by HDPC Chair Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and other committee members.

“It’s my hope today’s discussion was both informative and beneficial to women in business, especially in regard to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Kulik said. “Now is a better time than ever to check in and make sure no one is being left behind. COVID-19 is something we weren’t prepared to tackle, and Pennsylvania businesses were hit especially hard in late spring. Holding today’s hearing was a way for state representatives and businesswomen to come together to discuss their struggles and the needed resources going forward.”

Testifiers at today’s hearing included:

  • Carol Kilko, deputy secretary for business finance, DCED.
  • Eva Trout, artist and owner, Firebox Art Studio.
  • Tammy Bellotti, travel agent and owner, Magical Moments Vacations.
  • Marianne Skiba, Emmy-winning makeup artist and owner, Glam Earth.
  • Tiffany Battaglini, insurance agent and agency owner, Erie Insurance.
  • Kanak Iyer, owner, Kanakadhara Financial Enterprises LLC.
  • Coleen Melani Baldwin, owner, Tootsie’s Diner.

Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee.

Video from today’s hearing can be found at https://youtu.be/v5-RaF1lNDo

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