For Immediate Release: January 13, 2010
Contact Michelle Lee 202-232-1616, ext. 210

Study: PA Should Grow Its Own High-Tech Jobs, Shun Tax-Break “War Among States”

Pittsburgh—A major new study released today argues that Pennsylvania will best grow its high-tech economy by focusing on its existing employers and shunning the “economic war among the states” involving costly tax-break competitions.

By Joel Berg

Sales are down. Profits are flat. But companies still need employees who keep their skills sharp.

So, for the most part, local companies appear to be persisting in their efforts to train and educate workers, according to local leaders in work force development. The biggest challenge is finding money, particularly as the state shaves its share of the funding.

Read More: Work force training programs cope with cuts in state support

The Pennsylvania Fund for Workforce Solutions (PFWS) has grant money available for successful Industry Partnerships in the commonwealth and is currently accepting requests for proposals (RFPs).

Susan Crandall, Director of Workforce Innovation for Keystone Research Center, announced the funding opportunity on behalf of PFWS.

Every year, to create or retain jobs, the state of Pennsylvania gives out roughly $200 million in grants and loans to businesses. To date, the Commonwealth distributes this substantial sum without demanding systematic information and accountability regarding any of its benefits – in terms of jobs actually created (not simply promised), the quality of those jobs, limits on total assistance per job, the proximity of jobs to the people who need them, and whether new businesses fill in vacant lots in older communities or lead to further development of Pennsylvania’s open space.