Northhampton News

Recognizing the need to alleviate governmental burdens on Pennsylvanians pursuing entrepreneurship, House Republicans are advocating for the "Main Street Entrepreneurship Initiative." Led by House Commerce Committee Republican Chair Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton), this legislative package aims to make business ownership more accessible in Pennsylvania.

"Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of our communities," stated Emrick. "They invest in our Main streets, hire our friends and neighbors, and contribute to making our communities great places to live. We owe it to every Pennsylvanian to simplify their path to business growth."

A national study reveals that Pennsylvania's entrepreneurship rate is nearly 50% lower than the national average and has been stagnant for over 25 years. To address this issue, coinciding with National Entrepreneurship Week, House Republicans have introduced several legislative proposals:

- **Entrepreneurship Week Resolution** (Emrick): Recognizes Feb. 10-17, 2024, as "Entrepreneurship Week in Pennsylvania."

- **Business Filing Fee Waiver** (Rep. Joe D’Orsie, R-York): Proposes waiving filing fees for first-time entrepreneurs during business formation through the Department of State.

- **Stay in PA Business Grants and Loans Fee Waiver** (Rep. Donna Scheuren, R-Montgomery): Requires businesses receiving Commonwealth grants and loans to maintain operations within Pennsylvania.

- **Commonwealth Procurement Possibilities for New Entrepreneurs** (Rep. Mike Armanini, R-Clearfield/Elk): Establishes a "set-aside" targeting small and disadvantaged businesses established within three years.

- **New Business Ombudsman** (Emrick): Introduces a start-up ombudsman within the One-Stop Shop Office at the Department of Community and Economic Development to assist startups with necessary documentation.

- **Spearheading Entrepreneurship Education** (Rep. Marla Brown, R-Lawrence): Creates a statewide program funding entrepreneurship education at community colleges and technical training institutions.

- **Fair Protections for Entrepreneurs** (Scheuren): Modernizes bankruptcy exemption statutes providing fair protections for entrepreneurs' assets.

"For most Pennsylvanians, prosperity is found on Main Street," Emrick added. "These common-sense steps ensure job creators can improve opportunities here rather than relocating where it's easier to start businesses."

House Republicans emphasize their commitment to reducing burdens on job creators, facilitating large-scale investment across sectors. This legislative package prioritizes small business owners.

"As someone with nearly 30 years of business experience in Pennsylvania," Scheuren commented, "I understand entrepreneurs' importance to our state's success model." She highlighted her proposed legislation requiring businesses receiving loans from the Commonwealth to remain operational locally and modernizing bankruptcy exemptions protecting entrepreneurs' assets.

Co-sponsorship memos are being prepared for this legislative package by Representative Joe Emrick of the 137th District.