Economy/Jobs

As yet another example of his efforts to bolster Pennsylvania's economy, the Governor helped break ground at the future site of Harman Stove Company's new manufacturing facility on Armstrong Valley Road in Halifax Township and said the project will result in the creation of at least 277 jobs within five years, plus the retention of 270 employees.

Since taking office, Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed an unprecedented economic stimulus program that was overwhelmingly approved by bipartisan majorities in the legislature.

The stimulus program leverages some $2.3 billion in grants, loans and guarantees to generate at least $5 billion in private-sector investment to help start new businesses in Pennsylvania and help existing companies expand here.

Municipalities and businesses throughout the commonwealth are already dipping into the pool of resources now available to boost our business climate, spur private sector growth, revitalize our housing and rebuild our infrastructure.

The Governor's Action Team (GAT) has been hard at work ensuring that companies have the resources to expand their businesses here. During the Rendell administration, GAT performance has been the highest it has ever been since the team began collecting statistics in 1997/98. Compared to the previous administration (1998-2002), the number of GAT projects completed successfully in the Rendell administration (2003) has increased by 25 percent.

And Governor Rendell's economic stimulus plan works. In January 2008, the number of jobs reached an all-time high of 5,811,700, which is 186,000 more than when Governor Rendell took office in 2003. The statewide unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for the majority of Governor Rendell’s term. 

For more information, visit NewPA.com - your link to Governor Rendell's programs for a New Pennsylvania.