Pa. Chamber welcomes new bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus

State lawmakers have launched a bipartisan economic competitiveness caucus, and the Pa. Chamber of Business and Industry welcomes the creation of this Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus. 

The bicameral group within the General Assembly was announced Tuesday by Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York; and Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton; along with state Reps. Paul Friel, D-Chester; and Josh Kail, R-Beaver. 

Luke Bernstein, president & CEO Pa. Chamber of Business and Industry, applauded the creation of the bipartisan economic competitiveness caucus. 

“This new caucus is exactly the kind of bold, bipartisan leadership our state needs,” Bernstein said in an email. “Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are serious about making Pennsylvania a top destination for jobs and investment.  We’re encouraged by the creation of this caucus and look forward to working with its members to make Pennsylvania more competitive.” 

According to a release, the new caucus aims to unify efforts across the Capitol and party lines to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure a strong economy in the present and future. 

“Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are united in our belief that making Pennsylvania more economically competitive through the advancement of pro-growth policies will benefit working-class families, reverse our stagnant population growth, and ensure our commonwealth is an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come,” Phillips-Hill said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be joining this bipartisan group of my colleagues to elevate this vital conversation and focus on key policies that will grow our state.” 

Pennsylvania is dealing with challenges in attracting new investment, retaining businesses, and reversing stagnant population growth. The caucus will look to build on pro-growth wins in the 2024-25 state budget, including permitting reform and eliminating Pennsylvania’s start-up tax by improving the treatment of net operating losses. 

Boscola said the policy victories reflect an effort to enhance Pennsylvania’s economic landscape. 

“The most recent budget was a giant step forward in making Pennsylvania more competitive today and building the workforce of tomorrow,” said Boscola. “We need to keep the momentum going, and that takes both parties and both chambers working together to create commonsense policies that help our businesses thrive and create family-sustaining jobs.” 

Friel said the caucus will work to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and focus on public policy impacting the ability to attract and retain business investment. 

“Our Competitiveness Caucus recognizes the enormous potential of Pennsylvania to be a global leader in industry, technology and innovation,” said Friel. “We also know that the prosperity of our citizens is tied to the policies that unlock this economic potential, and we are dedicated to developing legislative approaches that strengthen our families, our businesses and our commonwealth.” 

The Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus will unite legislators from all four caucuses to work together to position Pennsylvania as a leader in economic performance. 

“The time to unleash Pennsylvania’s potential as an economic powerhouse is now,” said Kail. “I am grateful for the opportunity to co-chair the bipartisan, bicameral Competitiveness Caucus, and look forward to collaborating on actionable policies that will spur prosperity in Pennsylvania.”