Gov. Wolf applauds Biden administration committing additional $40 billion to strengthen, expand workforce

Harrisburg, PA -Governor Tom Wolf today applauded President Joe Biden for his continued and shared commitment to support and invest in our workforce through the announcement of an additional $40 billion in American Rescue Plan investments to strengthen and expand the American workforce.

"I've made it a priority throughout my administration to invest in and support our tremendous workforce, and President Biden deeply understands this as well. The pandemic impacted all industries, from international companies to small businesses. The landmark American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was an essential part of our commonwealth's plan to support essential industries through the pandemic and help stabilize our workforce for a strong economic recovery," Gov. Wolf said. "I'm grateful that we'll have the opportunity to invest even further in our workforce thanks to the president's latest commitment."

Governor Wolf participated in the American Rescue Plan Workforce Summit today at the White House, where he highlighted how ARPA funding aided in Pennsylvania's recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic.

"In Pennsylvania, we used the ARPA funds to address specific needs and issues in numerous industries. Addressing these needs provided targeted relief that plugged numerous economic holes and kept Pennsylvanians on their feet. Our ARPA investments have helped to stabilize frontline industries including child care, health care, and long term care in Pennsylvania," Gov. Wolf said. "We have put millions of dollars into health care to improve retention and ease recruitment, increase pay for workers, and support education to ensure we continue to have a pipeline of talented professionals ready to take on jobs in these crucial fields in the years to come."

This week, the governor signed a bill as part of the 2022-23 state budget to use more of Pennsylvania's ARPA dollars to support skilled nursing facilities in Pennsylvania, and to prepare for upcoming regulatory changes that will ensure better hours and pay for workers, and a higher quality of care for residents now and into the future.

The state budget also includes other important investments in our workforce through ARPA funding, including $90 million in child care stabilization and $20 million for historically disadvantaged businesses.