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.

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Shapiro, Pennsylvania lawmakers react to U.S. striking Iran's nuclear facilities

(WHTM) — Governor Josh Shapiro and other Pennsylvania lawmakers spoke on the United States' decision to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Governor Shapiro fielded questions on numerous topics at the Pocono Raceway today, including the United States' decision to strike three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday: Look, let me say, I'm the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Austin Davis is the Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our job every single day is to ensure the safety and well-being of the good people of Pennsylvania. The first thing I want to say to the people of Pennsylvania is our security team, our State Police, homeland security and others, we've been in dialogue with one another to make sure that there is no threat to the Commonwealth as a result of what happened overseas. There is no threat. The people of Pennsylvania are safe and we're going to remain vigilant in our work here to to keep the people of Pennsylvania safe. Now, I know foreign policy isn't part of my job description as Governor, but it's a fair question given what happened last time. I'm happy to address it. I think what is most important right now is that we not have any escalation beyond what occurred last night. I don't think any of us want to get dragged into another long war in the Middle East. I think it is important that we are we are vigilant about that. Obviously, the Trump administration holds a responsibility for what comes next and ensuring that our American troops and our personnel in the region are safe. I will say with regard to the Iranian nuclear program, that was obviously very, very dangerous. The idea that Iran, the world's largest sponsor of terror, would have a nuclear weapon, would not only destabilize the Middle East, but it would create risk for American interests at home and abroad. It is good if Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon. I think it is important now that there be some accounting for the questions that I think a lot of people have, whether more diplomacy could have accomplished that, and I think it's also important that we have a full accounting for what actually happened last night. I want to hear from military leaders about whether or not this mission was successful. I want to thank our American troops, including those from Pennsylvania, who were involved in the planning and the execution of what occurred last night in the bombing of these nuclear sites in Iran. There are there are no greater warriors in the world than American troops, and we are proud of that here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proud of our National Guard. I'm going to be swearing in about 40 new National Guards members in a moment. [We're] just proud of those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, who put on the uniform of freedom, and they go out and defend freedom at home and abroad. I think what we now need to focus on is diplomacy, in not having an escalation, in not allowing this to turn into a long war in the Middle East. We've got to get back around the table and ensure that diplomacy can take shape, diplomacy can take hold, and that there is no more violence between Israel and Iran, and beyond that, broadening it out, it is critically important that we get a cease fire in return of the hostages in Gaza. We need peace in the Middle East. We need to end these hostilities. Bringing home these hostages is key to that, and I want to just tell you that I'm praying right now for everybody in the Middle East, especially our Americans who are overseas, Americans who here who are on our bases. We want to make sure that they are safe and they're going to be in our prayers. As I said at the top, our job is to make sure that the good people of Pennsylvania are safe, and we're going to continue to do that with great urgency and great vigilance and great seriousness. Governor Josh Shapiro Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now State Rep. Dan Meuser's full statement, posted on X, depicts his reaction to the escalation: Despite a months-long, good-faith diplomatic effort led by President Trump, the Iranian regime refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Every opportunity for a peaceful resolution was rejected. Tonight's action was both justified and necessary. The United States has carried out a successful, targeted strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. This operation sends a clear and unmistakable message: Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. These sites were at the core of a regime that funds terror, destabilizes the region, and threatens America and its allies. A nuclear-armed Iran would endanger Israel, inflict global instability, and put countless lives at risk. Thanks to the extraordinary precision of our Armed Forces, the mission was executed flawlessly, and all aircraft returned safely. Peace through strength is the only path forward. The United States must remain committed to dismantling Iran's nuclear program and standing with our allies against terror. We continue to hope that Iran will finally come to the table and help forge a lasting peace in the Middle East. Rep. Dan Meuser on X Sen. Dave McCormick also weighed in on the strikes in his own statement on X: As I have said all along, Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. This targeted attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is the result of the Iranian regime's failure to make a deal despite months of President Trump's good faith efforts to negotiate. I applaud President Trump's strong leadership and his continued commitment to peace through strength. Once again, America's detractors around the world should know President Trump means what he says. And I am so grateful for America's brave warriors, who appear to have achieved their mission successfully and are returning home safely. I look forward to being briefed along with my Senate colleagues on this action. This is an important step toward ensuring that the world's largest state sponsor of terror never obtains a nuclear weapon. Senator Dave McCormick on X President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House, asserting that Iran's key nuclear facilities were 'completely and fully obliterated.' However, there was no independent damage assessment, according to the Associated Press. The United States struck three sites in Iran in an attempt to destroy Iran's nuclear program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says there will be no state money for sports venues

Two NFL teams call Pennsylvania home. Neither should consider calling Pennsylvania when it's time to finance stadium renovation or construction for their home stadiums. Via the Associated Press, Governor Josh Shapiro made it clear on Sunday that state money will not be available to sports teams. 'I'm very worried about the overall budget,' Shapiro said Sunday before a NASCAR Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway. 'I'm very worried about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. You want to balance investing in tourism, investing in sports, investing in great arenas and facilities, with making sure that you're also investing those dollars in things that Pennsylvanians need most.' And, in Shapiro's view, Pennsylvanians don't have a pressing need for sports. He nevertheless wants sports — and more of them — in Pennsylvania. 'I will tell you that we want to make sure the Steelers, we want to make sure the Eagles, and all of our pro teams have outstanding places to play,' Shapiro said. 'That are welcoming for fans. That generate revenue. We're going to continue to dialog with them about what they need and what's possible.' There's been a presumption for years that, because members of the public attend sporting events, there's an obligation by their state and local governments to help pay for the venue. Does that happen when someone builds a store that members of the public? A theater? The key words Shapiro used are 'generate revenue.' Sports stadiums generate plenty. More than enough to pay for themselves. Sure, that might result in less profit. But so what? If there's enough profit to justify the investment, that should be good enough. Sports teams aren't entitled to unlimited profit via taxpayer subsidies. The Steelers, who opened their current stadium in 2001, aren't currently angling for a replacement. The Eagles have begun the process of considering whether to renovate Lincoln Financial Field or to replace it. Whatever the approach on either side of the Commonwealth, the two teams have one thing in common. State money won't be available, for as long as Shapiro is in office. Elected in 2022, Shapiro can run again in 2026. So it's possible that the policy won't change before 2030. At the earliest.

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says there will be no public money for sports venues

Two NFL teams call Pennsylvania home. Neither should consider calling Pennsylvania when it's time to finance stadium renovation or construction for their home stadiums. Via the Associated Press, Governor Josh Shapiro made it clear on Sunday that state money will not be available to sports teams. 'I'm very worried about the overall budget,' Shapiro said Sunday before a NASCAR Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway. 'I'm very worried about the overall economic situation given the federal cuts. You want to balance investing in tourism, investing in sports, investing in great arenas and facilities, with making sure that you're also investing those dollars in things that Pennsylvanians need most.' And, in Shapiro's view, Pennsylvanians don't have a pressing need for sports. He nevertheless wants sports — and more of them — in Pennsylvania. 'I will tell you that we want to make sure the Steelers, we want to make sure the Eagles, and all of our pro teams have outstanding places to play,' Shapiro said. 'That are welcoming for fans. That generate revenue. We're going to continue to dialog with them about what they need and what's possible.' There's been a presumption for years that, because members of the public attend sporting events, there's an obligation by their state and local governments to help pay for the venue. Does that happen when someone builds a store that members of the public? A theater? The key words Shapiro used are 'generate revenue.' Sports stadiums generate plenty. More than enough to pay for themselves. Sure, that might result in less profit. But so what? If there's enough profit to justify the investment, that should be good enough. Sports teams aren't entitled to unlimited profit via taxpayer subsidies. The Steelers, who opened their current stadium in 2001, aren't currently angling for a replacement. The Eagles have begun the process of considering whether to renovate Lincoln Financial Field or to replace it. Whatever the approach on either side of the Commonwealth, the two teams have one thing in common. State money won't be available, for as long as Shapiro is in office. Elected in 2022, Shapiro can run again in 2026. So it's possible that the policy won't change before 2030. At the earliest.