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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Gerald Mullery
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Mullery looks to bring gun manufacturing jobs to Northeastern Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Oct. 11 – State Rep. Gerald Mullery has asked three gun manufacturers to relocate to Northeastern Pennsylvania because lawmakers in states where they currently have plants are considering enacting costly regulations on their businesses.
"Northeastern Pennsylvania is a location where gun manufacturers can flourish," said Mullery, D-Newport Township. "We offer a friendly business climate, qualified employees with a strong work ethic, and of course, a rich outdoor heritage."
Mullery, a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, recently sent letters to the chief executive officers of Remington Arms Co., Colt's Manufacturing Co. and Kimber Manufacturing Inc. detailing the benefits of a move to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Remington and Kimber have factories in New York, and Colt has a factory in Connecticut.
New York lawmakers have proposed a form of ballistics identification called microstamping for all semiautomatic pistols sold in the state, as well as limiting firearm sales to one per person per month and requiring background checks for anyone purchasing ammunition. Microstamping uses lasers to engrave a marking of the make, model and serial number on the tip of a gun’s firing pin, which imprints that information on spent cartridge cases.
Remington has said it would consider moving its factory in Ilion, N.Y. to another state rather than spend large sums of money to reconfigure it if microstamping legislation is enacted. The factory employs about 1,000 people. Kimber, which has a factory in Yonkers, said a microstamping law would force it to lay off employees.
Colt has said it would leave Connecticut if legislators approve microstamping legislation.
Mullery, who is a gun owner, outdoorsman and member of the National Rifle Association, said the companies would be welcomed in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
"There are countless reasons why businesses are successful throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, and given the opportunity, I believe your company could benefit from locating to this part of our country," Mullery wrote. "Over the years, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has worked hard to eliminate burdensome regulations, lower taxes and reform workers' compensation."
Mullery noted that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development helps businesses relocate and expand with financial assistance and technological support. He also wrote that partnerships between Pennsylvania government, universities and businesses help ensure that there are qualified employees. Finally, he reminded the gun manufacturers that Pennsylvania has 1.5 million acres of state game lands for wildlife habitat and hunting.
"In short, there is a huge market for gun manufacturers and retailers in Northeastern Pennsylvania," Mullery wrote.
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