Governor Unveils 'Back To Work PA' Plan Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor Tom Wolf unveiled the "Back to Work PA" plan to help boost the state of Pennsylvania's economic efforts amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan is part of Gov. Wolf's 2021 legislative initiatives and will be funded by an extraction tax on the natural gas industry, which allows for an injection of $3 billion to enhance existing efforts and create new programs to address issues hindering economic growth, according to a press release obtained by WPXI.

“Pennsylvania needs a comprehensive, forward-thinking plan to jumpstart our economy and support our workforce,” Wolf said. “Back to Work PA will make strategic and comprehensive investments to build a stronger and more diverse workforce, support Pennsylvania businesses while attracting businesses to the commonwealth, and assist communities with economic recovery efforts – all of which will help us get back on track and build a brighter future for Pennsylvania.”

The plan aims to support workforce development by ensuring equal access to employment, build the workforce of the future, quickly hire displaced workers and develop training and employment strategies for high demand jobs, while also focusing on economic and community development by bringing back and localize manufacturing, expanding broadband, supporting innovation and entrepreneurs and helping communities develop financial contingency plans.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt our communities and businesses, and we cannot stall on taking bold, strategic action to expedite a faster recovery,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin in a press release. “Bolstering our workforce benefits our economy—and by extension, our communities—and Back to Work PA would provide the critical funding necessary to address Pennsylvania’s needs both now and in the future.”

You can read more on Gov. Wolf's 2021 legislative plan by clicking here.

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