DCED Budget Hearing Wrap
General Overview:
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, along with other staff from DCED, testified before the House Appropriations Committee today. House Republicans focused their questions on government efficiency and unleashing Pennsylvania’s energy industry.
Key Takeaways:
-House Republicans have always supported DCED's overall mission to grow our economy; however, Governor Shapiro’s FY 2025
26 budget proposal notably fails to include a strategy to grow Pennsylvania’s energy sector.
-Energy provides Pennsylvania’s greatest potential for economic growth. Effectively harnessing these resources can create
thousands of jobs in energy production while providing affordable power for residents, businesses and manufacturers, paving
the way for a prosperous future.
-The governor’s proposal, which includes a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour, has raised significant concerns among
committee members, particularly in relation to its potential impact on small businesses. This proposal, if implemented, could lead to
job losses and increased overhead, posing a serious threat to many employers.
-Ensuring broadband access in rural Pennsylvania is a crucial federal, state, and local government initiative. However, members are
concerned that the Shapiro Administration’s refusal to appropriately classify workers in broadband installation will result in
significant delays and cost overruns, potentially denying rural communities access to the critical economic and educational
opportunities that broadband provides.
Notable Q&A:
