Tom Corbett, Governor   pa.gov

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley
LT Governor Cawley watching a demonstration

REBUILDING PENNSYLVANIA



Job Creation: Putting Hardworking Pennsylvanians Back To Work



From Pittsburgh, to Scranton, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has the potential to be a national model for job creation. The Corbett Administration is committed to creating an economic environment where job creators can flourish, and, in just one year, the commonwealth has been making progress. 2011 saw the largest one-year growth in private sector jobs in Pennsylvania since 1999, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While government jobs declined by 20,200, private-sector jobs grew by 79,000. Manufacturing job growth in Pennsylvania was higher than any year since 1990. By focusing on jobs, Governor Corbett has taken the necessary steps to put Pennsylvania on a long-term path to economic prosperity. 

Job Creation Begins with a Balanced Budget

A balanced state budget that holds the line on spending and taxes creates the foundation for job creation. While in office, Governor Corbett has protected small business and working families from higher taxes, while spending only the revenue the state really has. This commitment to a low tax burden and responsible spending is working to create an environment where companies will want to move here, grow here, and stay here in Pennsylvania.

The proposed 2012-13 Corbett budget looks to build on last year’s progress by continuing to protect Pennsylvania working families from higher taxes.

Tort and Legal Reform

Frivolous litigation and junk lawsuits are threats that can stifle employers. An employer who operates under the threats of constant lawsuits may not have the opportunity to grow, expand, and hire more employees.

That is why Governor Corbett advocated for and signed into law The Fair Share Act, which ensures that our legal system treats businesses and medical professionals fairly in the award of financial damages. By treating these job creators and professionals fairly, it works to keep them in Pennsylvania.

Retraining Our Workforce

We need to prepare our workforce for the job market of the 21st century, and that is why Governor Corbett has proposed the Keystone Works Jobs Program. This program will help unemployed Pennsylvanians return to work by rewarding employers who temporarily hire those receiving unemployment benefits.

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the Corbett administration will also create a Targeted Industry Cluster Certificate Program to help guide Pennsylvania’s workforce to available, in-demand jobs. This program will provide grants to students enrolling in certificate programs that are needed by high demand industries like energy, agriculture, and construction.


The goal is simple: if there’s a job to fill in a new or existing industry these programs work to put that career opportunity into the hands of a Pennsylvanian.

Energy=Jobs

Right now Pennsylvania has the opportunity to become a national leader in the production of natural gas. The natural gas industry has the potential to be a driving force in the commonwealth’s economy for years to come. This one industry has already created 72,000 new job hires and, since 2007, has generated more than one billion dollars in natural gas related revenue.

By enacting comprehensive, jobs friendly Marcellus Shale legislation, the Governor has taken decisive action to ensure the natural gas industry will continue to grow and be a source of quality jobs for Pennsylvanians. This new natural gas law provides a safe, environmentally friendly framework for creating jobs and sustaining this flourishing industry.

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