|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Majority Policy Committee |
State Rep. Matt H. Smith D-Allegheny Hearing Co-Chair |
Majority Policy Committee considers economic development ideas
PITTSBURGH, March 30 – The House Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing today at the Green Tree Borough Building to investigate job creation and economic development in western Pennsylvania, according to committee Chairman Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, requested the hearing and served as its co-chair.
"In the current economic recovery, the legislature has redoubled its efforts to look at options for job growth and economic development," Sturla said. "Representative Smith has been a leader in exploring ways to grow Pennsylvania's economy, especially western Pennsylvania's, to aid in our state's recovery."
Smith added, "We have to explore every option to jumpstart job creation in our region and across the Commonwealth. While we certainly have to look at all sectors, I think Pittsburgh’s innovative green sector and technology incubators are what will drive us into the next economic resurgence."
Those testifying at the hearing included Susan Hansen, PhD, professor of political science, University of Pittsburgh; Subash Alias, vice president of business investment, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance; Khari Mosley, director of Green Economy Initiatives, GTech Strategies; John Manzetti, president and CEO, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse; Rich Lunak, president and CEO, Innovation Works; David Ruppersberger, president and CEO, Technology Collaborative; Mary Ann Eisenreich, executive director, Pennsylvania Women Work; Heather Arnet, executive director, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania; Doris Carson Williams, president, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania; Greg Vogt, member, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 5; Regis Ryan, business agent, Steamfitters Local 449; and Richard Stanizzo, business manager, Pittsburgh Building and Construction Trades Council.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, go to www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
###