York County News

May 24, 2024 / Press Release

By State Reps. Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester) and Mike Jones (R-York Township)

Pennsylvania is undoubtedly unique, from its sports teams to its diverse landscape, to its most impressive asset – its people. "We truly believe there is no mix of people across the country with the values, skills, experiences, and talent like here in PA," said State Reps. Joe D’Orsie and Mike Jones. Pennsylvania's industrial potential should attract investors and entrepreneurs to the Commonwealth. However, this potential has largely been squandered in recent years.

According to the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) state economic competitiveness index, Pennsylvania ranks 35th in economic outlook and 46th in economic performance. Neighboring states have taken advantage of this decline by luring businesses, manufacturing plants, and jobs away from Pennsylvania. "We don’t blame them," said D’Orsie and Jones. "We do, however, blame the policies and laws that are sending them packing."

The representatives argue that despite Pennsylvania's strategic geography as the "Keystone State" connecting the Northeast to the South and Midwest, it is lagging economically. The state boasts significant natural resources and infrastructure assets such as ports and airports. Additionally, Pennsylvania exports more energy than any other state except Texas.

Despite these advantages, Pennsylvania has lost over a quarter million residents in the last decade and 50,000 residents in just the past two years. According to ALEC’s economic analysis from 2013-22, Pennsylvania ranks 46th out of 50 states in domestic migration index.

Moreover, Pennsylvania's population is aging rapidly. A Population Reference Bureau index from 2021 showed that seniors account for 20% of the state's total population. This demographic shift poses challenges for revitalizing the economy as seniors are not filling unoccupied manufacturing jobs or addressing shortages in teaching or nursing professions.

The state's financial health also reflects this trend of decline. Census Bureau data from 2022 indicated a significant dip in median household income for Pennsylvania among 17 states experiencing similar declines. Between 2021 and 2022, real personal income in Pennsylvania dropped by 5.8%, one of the highest decreases nationally.

Representatives D’Orsie and Jones assert that reversing these trends requires reducing government intervention rather than increasing it. They advocate for policies that allow businesses and families to flourish independently without excessive government micromanagement.

"We’re hopeful for a prosperous Pennsylvania," they concluded, emphasizing their belief that less government intervention is key to solving the state's economic issues.

Representative Joe D’Orsie

47th District

Representative Mike Jones

93rd District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Melissa Fox

717-260-6522

mefox@pahousegop.com

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