Like last year, Gov. Tom Wolf is encouraging the state legislature to provide for “jobs that pay” as part of the 2016-2017 budget. A robust economy that includes employment opportunities can help stave off property tax increases, additional lost jobs and the elimination of services for local governments. Therefore, the Governor’s proposed budget includes:
- An increase of $11 million to PA First for a total of $45 million, estimated to create at least 11,000 jobs, retain 40,000 jobs and leverage $1.9 billion in private sector investment;
- $15 million for The Keystone Communities program;
- $30 million to Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program;
- $798,000 to help prevent base realignment and closure actions by the federal government (BRAC);
- A reallocation of $125 million in existing Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) resources to recapitalize Business in Our Site;
- An increase in the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.15;
- A focus on job training through industry-driven workforce partnerships, increase the number of Pennsylvanians who hold college degrees or certificates and enabling youth to gain skills and work experience through summer jobs, internships and apprenticeships;
- $11.6 million to Pennsylvania Industry Partnerships program to enable workers to earn industry-recognized credentials and move up into better jobs;
- $2 million increase for vocational rehabilitation programs that help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment; and
- $12 million to continue the IRC Manufacturing Initiative.
To read the Governor’s full briefing on Jobs that Pay, go to: https://www.governor.pa.gov/budget-briefing-jobs-that-pay/