24-05-2025
DCED analysis: PA secured $5.2B private sector investments, created 9,500 jobs
May 23—WILKES-BARRE — The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) this week completed new analysis showing that the Shapiro Administration has secured more than $5.2 billion in private sector investment, creating more than 9,500 new jobs, since taking office.
"Since day one, my administration and I have been laser focused on making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation," said Gov. Josh Shapiro. "From historic investments in site development, to cutting red tape, we're showing the world how we get stuff done — and we'll continue to make bold, strategic investments that create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians."
As part of the Shapiro Administration's work to implement the 10-year Economic Development Strategy, DCED created the BusinessPA team — an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to Getting It Done for businesses looking to thrive in Pennsylvania.
"Economic development is a team sport, and the DCED team is committed to partnering with regions across our Commonwealth to make sure Pennsylvania is open for business," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger.
Pennsylvania's appeal to businesses has not gone unnoticed. DCED was recently named a top state economic development group by Business Facilities Magazine. The Commonwealth recently ranked 10th overall in Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup — and third among Northeast states. Additionally, BusinessPA was honored with a Deal of the Year — Impact Award from Business Facilities Magazine for its role in GSK's expansion in Lancaster County.
US House passes bill to simplify veterans forms
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr.'s legislation — H.R. 1286, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act.
The bipartisan bill, which passed by a vote of 386-1, would simplify forms required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and survivors.
Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, introduced this bill on Feb. 13, 2025, and it passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs on May 6. This is the first piece of legislation Bresnahan introduced and is his first legislation to pass the House.
"When our military members return home from serving our country, they are often tasked with filling out dozens of pages of paperwork in order to receive the benefits they've rightfully earned," Bresnahan said. "Veterans and their families should not be subjected to a VA claims process that is more difficult and stressful than necessary, which is why I am incredibly proud to see my legislation, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, pass out of the House this evening.
"Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District is home to nearly 40,000 veterans, and I am proud to spearhead this legislation for each and every one of them and their families."
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) requires veterans and survivors to complete standard forms to initiate and pursue claims for VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension and survivors' benefits.
These forms can often be arduous and difficult to understand for veterans or their survivors, and failure to do correctly fill them out can result in delays in processing their claim, delays in receiving a decision on their claim, or even a denial of their claim.
Bresnahan said he introduced the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act to simplify the forms process to make VA standard forms more user-friendly.
The legislation would require VA to contract with a nonpartisan, federally funded research entity to conduct a study on, and provide recommendations for, revising VA forms to be more understandable for veterans and their survivors.
Following this study, the VA Secretary would be required to report findings to Congress and implement recommendations.
AG: Congress needs to fund PSAs
Attorney General Dave Sunday this week joined a bipartisan coalition of 38 Attorneys General calling on Congress to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act — a federal bill that aims to reduce youth drug use through research-based public education and community outreach.
The bill would employ prevention methods proven to be effective in forming public service announcements and initiatives — produced by student peers — aimed at young people when they have first exposure to dangerous substances.
"Protecting children is a core function of the Office of Attorney General, and it is crucial that young people receive this positive messaging at a time when they are most impressionable," Sunday said. "Without a doubt, the best way to solve a problem or crisis is to prevent it from happening. As a father, I am well aware of the challenges and influences facing our children. We must do all we can to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices."
The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements (PSAs), youth-led campaigns, and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use.
All campaigns funded under the bill must be grounded in evidence, designed for cultural relevance, and adapted to meet the specific needs of local communities.
"This thoughtful and timely legislation represents a critical, evidence-based step toward reducing youth substance use through strategic public education and engagement," write the attorneys general in a letter to Senate leadership.
The Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act would fund a range of efforts to better reach youth with timely, credible and accessible information, including:
—Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth.
—Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity.
—Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms and other media.
—Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability.
PUC: Add energy efficiency to 'summer utility checklist'
With summer fast approaching and new default electric generation prices taking effect on June 1, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week is urging residents and businesses across the Commonwealth to #SaveInPA by taking proactive steps now to manage their utility bills — with a strong focus on energy efficiency, conservation and understanding supply options.
"As temperatures rise, so do energy costs — especially when demand for air conditioning peaks," said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. "Now is the time to review your past energy usage, make smart adjustments at home or work, and explore tools that can help you take control of your summer electricity bills."
—Why now? Understanding June 1 price changes
Every June 1 and Dec. 1, electric distribution companies (EDCs) in Pennsylvania adjust their "Price to Compare" (PTC) — the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged to customers who have not selected a competitive supplier. These prices are based on wholesale market rates and can significantly impact monthly bills.
Note: These changes only affect customers receiving "default service" from their electric utility — that is, those who have not selected a competitive supplier. Customers already shopping with a supplier will continue paying the generation price set by their contract, but they should also be aware of these broader market trends to prepare for potential impacts when their current contract ends.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
