Establishing the Small Business Road Construction Mitigation Grant Program; and providing for duties of the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Impact
The bill aims to mitigate the negative financial effects that extended road construction can have on local businesses by providing financial assistance in the form of grants. Such support is crucial for maintaining economic stability in affected neighborhoods and ensuring that small businesses can sustain their operations despite the disruptions caused by construction activities. By offering grants that offset revenue losses, HB1028 intends to foster economic resilience among small enterprises, which are vital to the local economy.
Summary
House Bill 1028 establishes the Small Business Road Construction Mitigation Grant Program aimed at supporting small businesses that are adversely impacted by road construction projects conducted by public utilities. This program is particularly focused on areas designated as 'construction mitigation zones', where businesses experience significant revenue declines due to ongoing public utility road projects. The bill outlines the operational framework for the administration of the grant program, including eligibility criteria and the application process for small businesses with up to ten employees.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB1028 appears to be generally positive, as it is designed to assist small businesses in overcoming challenges posed by necessary public utility projects. Proponents of the bill view it as a proactive measure to protect local economies and help small businesses thrive in challenging conditions. However, there may be concerns about how effectively the program will be administered and whether the grant amounts will be sufficient to cover the losses incurred by affected businesses.
Contention
Notable points of contention related to the bill may include the adequacy of the funding available through the grant program and potential bureaucratic hurdles in the application process. Stakeholders may also debate the thresholds set for revenue decline that dictate eligibility for grants, as well as the amount that qualified businesses can receive. This discussion highlights the balance that needs to be achieved between facilitating access to support for small businesses and ensuring the program is financially sustainable.
Establishing the Solar for Schools Grant Program; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an appropriation.
Establishing the Rural Coworking and Innovation Center Grant Program; and providing for requirements and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Providing for school-to-work programs; establishing the CareerBound program; providing for a tax credit; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Labor and Industry.
Providing for the Waterfront Redevelopment Grant Program; establishing the Waterfront Redevelopment Fund; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
In economic development programs, establishing the Pedestrianization Grant Program and the Pedestrianization Grant Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an interfund transfer.
Establishing the Municipal Grant Assistance Program and the Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Establishing the Pennsylvania Local Business Forgivable Loan Program; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an appropriation.
Providing for the accrual and use of earned paid leave; establishing the Small Business Grant Program; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing a penalty.
Establishing the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; providing for the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program;