PITTSBURGH, PA – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA) today held a roundtable discussion and toured electronics manufacturer Plextronics, Inc. with the Pittsburgh Technology Council and representatives from several local technology companies. Senator Casey spoke about successful programs he has supported that are benefiting the manufacturing industry, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has provided over $1.75 million in funds to Plextronics, as well as gain input on strengthening manufacturing and creating jobs in the upcoming year. Plextronics, which specializes in solar, lighting and other electronics, was recently ranked the 4th fastest growing manufacturing company in Pittsburgh.
“Supporting Pennsylvania manufacturers is one of the best ways to create and preserve jobs,” said Senator Casey. “There have been successful efforts in the past, but there is much more work to do. That is why I have come to Plextronics to pick up some more new ideas to bring to Washington.”
Senator Casey was one of the first senators to propose a tax credit to encourage employers to hire workers. A similar proposal, the HIRE Act tax credit, was eventually signed into law. From February to August 2010, an estimated 8.1 million workers who had been out of work eight weeks or longer were hired by employers who are eligible for the HIRE Act payroll tax exemption. Pennsylvania is one of the 10 states with the largest number of hires—333,255. The full impact of the program will not be known until employers file tax returns.
He has been a strong critic of unfair trade policies that put American manufacturing at a disadvantage. He has repeatedly pushed for the U.S. government to take stronger action against China in response to the undervaluing of its currency and other policies that result in American job loss.
Senator Casey was a strong supporter of legislation the Senate enacted into law to give small businesses $12 billion in tax cuts, provide $30 billion to community banks to help provide access to capital for small businesses and increase SBA loan limits.
To spur growth in Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry, Senator Casey introduced the Life Sciences Jobs and Investment Act of 2010 to promote innovation and job creation by providing targeted tax incentives for small and mid-sized businesses to invest in life sciences research and development.
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