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Cephas, Policy Committee focus on moving PA economy forward

Growth of economy relies on connection to jobs, health care, schools

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    March 5, 2025 | 4:23 PM

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 – State lawmakers joined members of Philadelphia’s City Council to discuss ways to keep Pennsylvania’s economy moving forward, including securing the statewide investments needed to ensure residents are connected to their jobs, doctors and schools throughout the state. The five-county southeast region generates 41% of the state’s economic activity despite encompassing just 5% of the commonwealth’s land, and it creates 38% of Pennsylvania’s total tax revenue.

“With the continued uncertainty in Washington, it’s more important than ever for us to ensure our state’s economy is strong,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “Today's hearing was a great opportunity to hear from the voices of our communities – to give them a seat at the table to discuss their needs for an economically strong Pennsylvania. From SEPTA, to our teachers, health care workers and more. We heard loud and clear that we must find ways to ensure economic protections and relief for hardworking Philadelphians, as well as our small businesses and the public services that keep our economy moving.” 

The House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing at IBEW Local 98’s Training Facility in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia House Delegation hosted the event and was joined by Philadelphia City Council. A recording of the hearing’s livestream can be found here.

"One of the best ways for us to ensure economic protections and relief for hard workers in the Philadelphia region is to make sure that people and goods are moving, and that begins with solidifying our transportation infrastructure,” Cephas said. “Safe and reliable mass transit moves our commuters and tourists, secure and efficient roads and bridges traffic goods and services, and our ports along the Delaware River get our imports and exports going across the world. It’s all part of the concerted state and local effort to move our economy forward and protect us from actions beyond our reach.”

Testifiers at the hearing included Janeeiah Simmons and Mahogany Johnson, youth fellows from Philly BOLT; Erik Johanson, the senior director of budgets and transformation at SEPTA; Greg Downing, the executive director at South Central Transit Authority; Arthur Steinberg, the president of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers; Sophia Collins, MSN and RN at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania; Shannon Williams, the senior vice president of advocacy at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; and Jennifer Nagle, the vice president of special projects at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.  

Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy.