For Immediate Release
May 12, 2010
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Brubaker Creates International Commerce Caucus

Our state unemployment rate stands at 9.4 percent, and it is estimated that nearly one in five Pennsylvanians is either unemployed or working part-time because they can’t find full-time work. As we begin the long road to recovery after the worst recession that many of us have seen in our lifetime, it is vital for the state to explore every opportunity to help the economy grow and create the kinds of jobs that will sustain families.

International commerce is one area where Pennsylvania has vast potential to expand economic opportunities. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, our state is America’s fastest-growing state in international business development and the fastest-growing state in terms of exports. More than 12,800 Pennsylvania companies currently export their goods and services, and there are tremendous opportunities for growth in international markets.

Our state is uniquely positioned to benefit from international commerce due to our geography and transportation infrastructure. We are located within 500 miles of 40 percent of the United States’ population and 60 percent of Canada’s population. Our extensive transportation network also makes Pennsylvania an attractive place for international commerce due to our highway system, railroad system and major ports that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. International commerce already contributes nearly 8 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product. This percentage has doubled since 2002, and I am confident there is room for even more growth in the future.

International commerce is a vital part of our local economy as well. Agriculture is one of the most important components of our local economy, and Pennsylvania’s $1.9 billion in agricultural exports help to support more than 22,000 agricultural jobs across the state. U.S. agricultural exports also topped $100 billion for the first time in history in 2008.

Manufacturing is also an important facet of our state economy, and there are numerous opportunities for growth in international markets in that industry as well. In 2008, Pennsylvania exported over $34 billion in manufactured goods, which supported over 268,700 manufacturing jobs. In addition, foreign-owned firms account for 12 percent of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing employment.

To help the state tap these vast opportunities for economic growth, I recently announced the formation of the legislative International Commerce Caucus to bring greater awareness to international commerce issues. Thirty-four members of the Senate have agreed to participate in the International Commerce Caucus, and I am hopeful that this group will identify ways that we can expand international business opportunities to help create jobs for state residents.

EMS Week Recognizes Efforts of Emergency Responders

The week of May 16 through 22 has been designated as national Emergency Medical Services Week to honor the efforts of our EMS providers. These men and women provide a vital service to our communities by working to protect our health and safety, and this designation helps us to honor their efforts.

Our EMS providers play a vital role in responding to accidents and other medical emergencies, and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated local EMS personnel serving our communities. I am deeply thankful for the efforts of our local EMS personnel to keep us safe, and I would like to offer my sincere thanks for their continued service.