Encouraging the Department of Community and Economic Development to partner with the private sector and tourism promotion entities to establish and promote a Pennsylvania Sweet and Salty Trail to honor and recognize the importance and value of the confectionery, snack food, food manufacturing and agricultural industries in this great Commonwealth.
Impact
The resolution emphasizes the interconnectedness of Pennsylvania's economy, acknowledging that the success of confectionery and snack food manufacturing is not an isolated phenomenon but rather intertwined with agriculture, transportation, and tourism. By promoting a Sweet and Salty Trail, the initiative aims to enhance visibility of these industries, which collectively generate over a billion dollars in taxes, provide thousands of jobs, and contribute significantly to local and state economies. The impact on state laws focuses on fostering collaboration between government and the private sector while advocating for the recognition of these industries' importance.
Summary
Senate Resolution 128 seeks to encourage the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to collaborate with private sector entities and tourism organizations to establish and promote a Pennsylvania Sweet and Salty Trail. This trail is intended to honor and recognize the vital role of the confectionery, snack food, food manufacturing, and agricultural industries within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It supports the state's longstanding identity and economic contributions from these sectors, bolstering both the cultural and industrial heritage associated with local food production.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SR128 appears to be supportive, especially among representatives from the regions most affected by the snack food and agricultural sectors. The sponsors of the resolution, which include bipartisan members of the Senate, highlight the economic and cultural significance of the confectionery industry. However, the resolution may evoke varied opinions regarding the best ways to support these industries, especially when considering the interests of small versus large companies within the sector.
Contention
One notable point of contention in discussions surrounding SR128 concerns balancing the interests of major industry players with those of local, smaller businesses that may rely on distinct or niche operations. While the overarching goal is to boost tourism and economic development through a unified identity, concerns may arise regarding how the promotion efforts are distributed. Additionally, there may be conversations about ensuring that the trail benefits all players in the industry equitably, without marginalizing smaller producers who contribute significantly to local economies.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission, along with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Protection, to conduct an assessment and develop recommendations with the intention of establishing a comprehensive State energy strategy for this Commonwealth.
Providing for advanced manufacturing facilities and infrastructures through business partnerships with State-related institutions; establishing the Max Manufacturing Initiative Fund and Max Manufacturing Endeavor Loan Fund; providing for prevailing wage; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the shelf life of food in this Commonwealth with an emphasis on locally grown produce and other agricultural food items.
Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.
Providing for industrial resource centers; continuing the Industrial Resource Center Program; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making a repeal.