The Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus – a bipartisan, bicameral group of state lawmakers focused on strengthening the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness – held a press conference in Harrisburg this week to announce the caucus’s launch. Following the press conference, the caucus held its inaugural caucus meeting. The caucus seeks to foster collaboration between parties and the state House and Senate to advance pro-growth policies and promote job creation, while enhancing Pennsylvania’s competitive edge in national and global markets.
Since its formation was announced just a few weeks ago, the caucus has grown to more than 50 members and continues expanding. Speaking at the press conference were Caucus co-chairs Senate Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester), and Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver), as well as Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh) who represented Senate Democrats on behalf of co-chair Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton). Speakers emphasized why the formation of the caucus was necessary, including the fact that the Commonwealth ranks among the bottom of states in several key competitiveness rankings: for instance, CNBC ranks Pennsylvania 41st in business friendliness; Forbes says the state is 40th in growth prospects; and U.S. News ranks the overall state economy at 41st in the nation.
PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein attended the press conference and joined the conversation at the first meeting. Throughout this year, the caucus plans to tour the state at subsequent meetings to speak to businesses and other economically impacted groups as they work to advance legislation to improve the state’s business climate.