Latest news with #PAInnovation
Technical.ly
30-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Pittsburgh weekly roundup: Shapiro proposes $50M for innovation; Can the electric grid handle the heat?; A pause on student visas
This week in Pittsburgh, developers at PyCon give their take on AI software, an update on the Nippon-US Steel merger and more. • Governor Josh Shapiro visited Pittsburgh on Tuesday to announce his proposed budget would create a new $50 million PA Innovation program. It would include a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation. [PA DCED] • Just one year of federal funding in Pennsylvania generates $5.2 billion in economic activity. Federal cuts to the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health are estimated to cause a $259 million loss for Allegheny County. [ • With scorching temperatures forecasted for the mid-Atlantic this summer and an increasing demand to power data centers for AI, Pennsylvania's grid operator said it will have an adequate supply of electricity, but that may fall short in an 'extreme planning scenario.' [WESA] • The Trump administration revoked $210 million in EDA Tech Hubs funding from six regions, including Philly. New funding rounds will open this summer with a national security focus. Pittsburgh has previously applied but wasn't selected. [ • The US Department of State's recent pause on international student visa interviews could affect thousands of students who attend Pittsburgh universities each year. The University of Pittsburgh and other local schools say it's too early to tell what the impact will be. [AP News/Pittsburgh Biz Times] • Pittsburgh workers' rights were in the spotlight this week. Union reps and local advocates spoke in strong support of a bill to expand paid sick leave at a City Council hearing Wednesday. Meanwhile, nurses at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital announced plans to unionize. [WESA] 🗓️ On the Calendar • Join Pittsburgh's chapter of Pitch and Run on May 31 in the Strip District. Run (or walk) at this weekly meetup while connecting with other builders in the local ecosystem. [ Details here ] • Are you passionate about clean technology? Don't miss the Clean Tech Symposium at Chatham University's Eden Hall Campus on June 2. [ Attend ] • Learn about one of the most game-changing features coming to C++26 (reflection) with Pittsburgh C++ Meetup Group on June 4 in the Strip District. [ More info ] • What does the Pittsburgh of tomorrow look like? Share your thoughts and hear from local leaders, like the Democratic nominee for Mayor Corey O'Conner, at a June 4 event hosted by Pittsburgh Tomorrow. [ Register ] • The Pittsburgh Technology Council and PA CareerLink are teaming up to help displaced government workers find new jobs in PA. A virtual hiring event is happening June 5. [ Sign up ]
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: DCED highlights proposed investment in state's innovation economy
Apr. 27—WILKES-BARRE — Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week highlighted the Shapiro Administration's commitment to fostering Pennsylvania's innovation economy. Building on that commitment, Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2025-2026 proposed budget creates a new, $50 million PA Innovation program, which includes a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation. "From our world-class research institutions to our skilled workforce, Pennsylvania has the resources to be an innovation leader," said Secretary Siger. Gov. Shapiro and his Administration have been committed to making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation. The 2024-25 enacted budget made significant investments aligned with the overall 10-year Economic Development Strategy. Life sciences is one of the five key industries of the economic development strategy, and a major focus of the Shapiro Administration. The Shapiro Administration also recently helped break ground on GSK's expansion in Marietta. The global biopharma company is investing $800 million into the project, which will create more than 200, new high paying jobs and retain 4,622 employees. The Commonwealth invested $21 million towards the expansion. Gov. Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal calls for more than $160 million in total new and expanded investments to implement the Economic Development Strategy and increase our competitiveness, strengthen communities, and address critical housing needs. Fostering innovation is a key component of Gov. Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal, which includes: —$50 million for the new PA Innovation program, including a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation. —$10 million for AdvancePA tax credits to create high-quality jobs across Pennsylvania. —$12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA to expand our workforce and close critical workforce gaps. —$2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies. Rep. Meuser co-sponsors bill to block Social Security payments to illegal immigrants U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, recently co-sponsored H.R. 1172 — the No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act of 2025 — legislation that will ensure individuals in the United States illegally cannot collect benefits from Social Security programs. Rep. Meuser said the legislation amends the Social Security Act to ensure that wages earned through unauthorized employment by illegal immigrants do not count toward eligibility for Social Security benefits. This means individuals who worked in the U.S. without legal status would be barred from collecting benefits based on those earnings. The policy would apply to income earned before, during, or after the bill becomes law. Rep. Meuser said the legislation is in line with President Trump's executive order directing federal agencies to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing Social Security programs and to strengthen fraud enforcement. He said recent audits by the Social Security Administration's Inspector General identified major gaps in death records and benefit tracking systems, creating a heightened risk of improper payments — in fact, the Social Security Administration's Inspector General identified $72 billion in improper payments made over the past decade. Further, Rep. Meuser said the White House reports that more than 2 million illegal immigrants were assigned Social Security Numbers in fiscal year 2024 alone. Rep. Meuser has also introduced the Payment Information Integrity Reform Act — legislation aimed at reducing the more than $230 billion in improper federal payments reported last year. That bill would strengthen oversight, require stricter financial controls at federal agencies, and impose penalties for repeated noncompliance — helping prevent taxpayer dollars from being sent to ineligible recipients, including illegal immigrants, Meuser said. "Hardworking Americans pay into Social Security expecting those benefits to be there when they retire — not to be paid out to people here illegally," said Rep. Meuser. "This legislation builds on President Trump's leadership and takes a necessary step to stop abuse, restore integrity to the system, and protect the future of Social Security for Americans who have earned it and rely on it." The No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. PUC invites public comments following hearing on grid impacts of high-demand energy growth The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week announced the opening of a formal public comment period following the Commission's April 24 en banc hearing examining the impact of hyper-scale data centers and other large-load energy users on Pennsylvania's electric grid. "This issue represents both a challenge and an opportunity for our state," said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. "We are entering a time of extraordinary electricity demand growth, driven by AI, cloud computing, and other evolving technologies. As we move forward, the Commission is committed to thoughtful, transparent policy-making — and we look forward to reviewing the post-hearing comments and input from the public as we continue this important process." The hearing featured three expert panels representing electric distribution companies, major energy users, and public and consumer advocates, focusing on the need for clear and fair rules to ensure grid reliability, manage infrastructure needs, and safeguard ratepayers. Public comment period and instructions The PUC is now accepting public comments on the issues raised during the hearing through Tuesday, May 27, 2025. A 15-day reply comment period will follow, with reply comments due by Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: DCED highlights proposed investment in state's innovation economy
Apr. 27—WILKES-BARRE — Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week highlighted the Shapiro Administration's commitment to fostering Pennsylvania's innovation economy. Building on that commitment, Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2025-2026 proposed budget creates a new, $50 million PA Innovation program, which includes a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation. "From our world-class research institutions to our skilled workforce, Pennsylvania has the resources to be an innovation leader," said Secretary Siger. Gov. Shapiro and his Administration have been committed to making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation. The 2024-25 enacted budget made significant investments aligned with the overall 10-year Economic Development Strategy. Life sciences is one of the five key industries of the economic development strategy, and a major focus of the Shapiro Administration. The Shapiro Administration also recently helped break ground on GSK's expansion in Marietta. The global biopharma company is investing $800 million into the project, which will create more than 200, new high paying jobs and retain 4,622 employees. The Commonwealth invested $21 million towards the expansion. Gov. Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal calls for more than $160 million in total new and expanded investments to implement the Economic Development Strategy and increase our competitiveness, strengthen communities, and address critical housing needs. Fostering innovation is a key component of Gov. Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal, which includes: —$50 million for the new PA Innovation program, including a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation. —$10 million for AdvancePA tax credits to create high-quality jobs across Pennsylvania. —$12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA to expand our workforce and close critical workforce gaps. —$2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies. Rep. Meuser co-sponsors bill to block Social Security payments to illegal immigrants U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, recently co-sponsored H.R. 1172 — the No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act of 2025 — legislation that will ensure individuals in the United States illegally cannot collect benefits from Social Security programs. Rep. Meuser said the legislation amends the Social Security Act to ensure that wages earned through unauthorized employment by illegal immigrants do not count toward eligibility for Social Security benefits. This means individuals who worked in the U.S. without legal status would be barred from collecting benefits based on those earnings. The policy would apply to income earned before, during, or after the bill becomes law. Rep. Meuser said the legislation is in line with President Trump's executive order directing federal agencies to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing Social Security programs and to strengthen fraud enforcement. He said recent audits by the Social Security Administration's Inspector General identified major gaps in death records and benefit tracking systems, creating a heightened risk of improper payments — in fact, the Social Security Administration's Inspector General identified $72 billion in improper payments made over the past decade. Further, Rep. Meuser said the White House reports that more than 2 million illegal immigrants were assigned Social Security Numbers in fiscal year 2024 alone. Rep. Meuser has also introduced the Payment Information Integrity Reform Act — legislation aimed at reducing the more than $230 billion in improper federal payments reported last year. That bill would strengthen oversight, require stricter financial controls at federal agencies, and impose penalties for repeated noncompliance — helping prevent taxpayer dollars from being sent to ineligible recipients, including illegal immigrants, Meuser said. "Hardworking Americans pay into Social Security expecting those benefits to be there when they retire — not to be paid out to people here illegally," said Rep. Meuser. "This legislation builds on President Trump's leadership and takes a necessary step to stop abuse, restore integrity to the system, and protect the future of Social Security for Americans who have earned it and rely on it." The No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. PUC invites public comments following hearing on grid impacts of high-demand energy growth The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week announced the opening of a formal public comment period following the Commission's April 24 en banc hearing examining the impact of hyper-scale data centers and other large-load energy users on Pennsylvania's electric grid. "This issue represents both a challenge and an opportunity for our state," said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. "We are entering a time of extraordinary electricity demand growth, driven by AI, cloud computing, and other evolving technologies. As we move forward, the Commission is committed to thoughtful, transparent policy-making — and we look forward to reviewing the post-hearing comments and input from the public as we continue this important process." The hearing featured three expert panels representing electric distribution companies, major energy users, and public and consumer advocates, focusing on the need for clear and fair rules to ensure grid reliability, manage infrastructure needs, and safeguard ratepayers. Public comment period and instructions The PUC is now accepting public comments on the issues raised during the hearing through Tuesday, May 27, 2025. A 15-day reply comment period will follow, with reply comments due by Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: State highlights importance of strengthening PA's innovation economy
Feb. 23—WILKES-BARRE — Rick Siger, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) secretary, joined local leaders this week to tour businesses and organizations that are focused on advancing innovation in the technology and life sciences sectors. Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed 2025-2026 budget includes a total of $50 million for the new PA Innovation program — which includes a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation. "The success of technology and life sciences entrepreneurs is key to Pennsylvania's economic growth in every region of our Commonwealth," said Secretary Siger. "Pennsylvania is open for business, and Gov. Shapiro's proposed PA Innovation program will continue to spur economic development, create jobs, and drive world-leading innovation." Gov. Shapiro has had many major economic development successes at the midway point of his first term including: —Creating the first statewide economic development strategy in nearly two decades with a focus on five key industry sectors: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology. —Securing $500 million in state funds to significantly expand the PA SITES program to develop shovel-ready sites and bring more commercial and industrial sites to Pennsylvania, building on the success of the pilot program that awarded $10.6 million to seven projects. —Creating the new Main Street Matters program and securing $20 million to fund it and support downtowns, main streets, and surrounding neighborhoods. —Expanding opportunities for small, minority-owned businesses by securing a $20 million investment for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Program in his first and second budgets. Rep. Meuser introduces bill to improve payment integrity laws U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, announced this week that he will soon introduce the PIIA Reform Act — legislation which will improve payment integrity laws to more effectively identify and reduce improper payments, especially over-payments in the federal government. In FY2023, Meuser said federal agencies estimated a staggering $236 billion in improper payments, spanning 71 programs. Since FY2003, the total estimated amount of improper payments has surpassed $2.7 trillion. Meuser said these figures are likely under-reported, as many agencies fail to comply with existing payment integrity laws. He said the PIIA Reform Act addresses these issues by implementing new measures and expanding accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more responsibly. Meuser said the PIIA Reform Act strengthens oversight by establishing an Over-payment Czar to reduce waste and enforce compliance. He said the legislation also expands reporting requirements for federal agencies and states, increasing transparency and accountability. To ensure enforcement, the bill introduces penalties — including budget reductions — for agencies that fail to meet payment integrity standards. It also enhances fraud detection in Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, and WIC and mandates continuous data sharing between the Social Security Administration and the Treasury's Do Not Pay system to prevent payments to deceased individuals. "The PIIA Reform Act is a crucial step toward addressing the billions of taxpayer dollars lost to improper payments every year," Rep. Meuser said. "Our social safety net programs must be accountable, efficient, and free from fraud. By establishing new oversight mechanisms and expanding reporting requirements, this bill will ensure that our federal agencies and states are held to higher standards of integrity. I am pleased to introduce this legislation to protect the American taxpayer and improve the delivery of services to those who need it most." The PIIA Reform Act will be introduced on Monday and will be referred to the House Oversight and Reform Committee for further consideration. AG DeFoor releases cyber charter school performance audit; calls funding reform Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor this week released a performance audit of five cyber charter schools which shows from 2020 to 2023, they legally increased revenues by $425 million and reserves by 144%, due in part to an outdated funding formula that does not use actual instruction costs to determine tuition, set guidelines for spending or set limits for cyber charter school reserve funds. "I am now the third auditor general to look at this issue and the third to come to the same conclusion: the cyber charter funding formula needs to change to reflect what is actually being spent to educate students and set reasonable limits to the amount of money these schools can keep in reserve," AG DeFoor said. "Our recommendation is that in the next six months the Governor should appoint a task force to review the funding formula and direct it to issue a report within nine months determining a new formula that is equitable, reasonable and sustainable, and the General Assembly should act within six months of the task force's report to facilitate the enactment of legislation." The five cyber charter schools selected for the audit were: —Commonwealth Charter Academy. —Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. —Insight PA Cyber Charter School. —Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. —Reach Cyber Charter School. "In this audit, we found these cyber charter schools legally increased their revenue from $473 million in the 2019-2020 fiscal year to $898 million in the 2022-2023 fiscal year," AG DeFoor said. "We found instances of the cyber charter schools legally using taxpayer dollars on things like staff bonuses, gift cards, vehicle payments and fuel stipends. Additionally, Commonwealth Charter Academy spent $196 million to purchase and/or renovate 21 buildings, which to us seems a bit out of the ordinary for a public school that is based in online instruction." To view the full audit, including each school's specific audit, visit Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
