Kirkland, Policy Committee examine jobs and economic development

CHESTER >> As usual, anytime state officials confer in the city, the focus is on jobs.

State Rep. Brian Kirkland, D-159, Thursday hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on jobs and economic development at Chester City Hall.

Kirkland was joined by Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and state legislators from across the commonwealth. The committee discussed the importance of creating more jobs that offer good pay and benefits while boosting local economic development.

“We had a great discussion today on what more we can do to connect Pennsylvania’s hard workers to the jobs that businesses need to fill,” Kirkland said. “We need to invest in projects that create good jobs and continue to fight for workers, so that we can strengthen the middle class.”

Sturla added, “Jobs that offer family-sustaining pay and benefits are essential to creating an economy that works for everyone. I thank Representative Kirkland for spotlighting his region’s perspective in growing Pennsylvania’s economy.”

The committee heard testimony from Carol Kilko, deputy secretary for business financing with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Eileen Cipriani, deputy secretary for workforce development with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; Drake Nakaishi, executive director of the Chester Economic Development Authority; and John Daly, executive director of the Delaware County Workforce Development Board.

The meeting was one in a series being held across the state on the House Democrats’ Plan4PA, which stresses putting people first, finding them good jobs, offering quality schools and pushing for a fair fair economy.