David Black, PEDA President, stated, 'PEDA is committed to achieving the legislative priorities through cooperation and collaboration of Governor's Office, Agencies and the General Assembly.'
(PRWEB) April 15, 2014
The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) is pleased to present the organization’s legislative priorities for the 2014-15 budget year. PEDA is dedicated to improving the business climate in the Commonwealth and stands ready to serve as an engaged partner in achieving Pennsylvania’s economic goals.
David Black, PEDA President, stated, "PEDA is committed to achieving the legislative priorities through cooperation and collaboration of Governor's Office, Agencies, and the General Assembly.”
PEDA believes that the key to achieving success lies in the organization’s ability to maintain a strong collaboration between state and local organizations charged with developing and executing Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy.
While many economic development efforts could have substantially more positive impact with additional financial support, PEDA recognizes that delivering a state budget that strikes an appropriate balance between fiscal responsibility and strategic economic growth is not a simple task. With this challenge in mind, PEDA presents the following priorities that will sustain Pennsylvania’s economic development delivery system, advance the Commonwealth’s efforts to achieve well-being and economic prosperity, and move the Commonwealth forward.
1. Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP): Support an increase in the PREP line item within a range of the Governor’s proposed $12.38M to $15.00M.
2. Pennsylvania Business Development Authority (PBDA): Support legislation creating the PBDA.
3. Workforce Development: Support the Governor’s initiatives and funding of Jobs1st PA.
4. Innovate in PA: Support amendments to the recently enacted Innovate in PA tax credit program that aim to increase funding from $100M to $200M and to include the PREP Partners and universities as recipients of proceeds from the tax credit sale.
5. Discovered in Pennsylvania, Developed in Pennsylvania (D2PA): Support the Governor’s FY2014-15 funding proposal of $9.9M.
6. Expansion of the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Program: Support legislative changes aimed at the expansion of zones through the acceleration and selection of new zones making this program available to additional communities in Pennsylvania.
About the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association
PEDA's mission is to promote sound economic development policies, provide leading-edge economic development education and nurture an effective statewide economic development network to foster the economic health of the Commonwealth. To learn more, visit http://www.PEDA.org.