HARRISBURG – The Senate Majority Policy Committee will hold a public hearing to review changes and trends in demographics across the state and nation on Tuesday, September 27 at 9 a.m.
Committee Chairman David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) said the topic is more than just population trends, but impacts on local and state government, reapportionment and more.
“A recent article in a national publication caught my eye regarding the differences in how urban vs. rural America recovers from recessions,” Argall said. “Locally, I continue to see the ongoing impacts of the Great Recession and many of these communities are trying to figure out how to reinvent themselves. This hearing will give us a better understanding of trends occurring not just here, but across the country as a result of the recession.”
Committee Vice Chairman Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/Washington) noted the impacts for the state are different, citing ongoing changes to the demographics in Western Pennsylvania.
“The western part of the state is getting younger, with new companies, most noticeably in the energy and tech sectors, moving into the area and attracting young talent to lead these organizations,” Reschenthaler said. “These testifiers are going to cover a wide array of topics, including changes in Pennsylvania’s largest cities, changes across the state and generational changes and its impact on government programs.”
The hearing will take place in Hearing Room No. 1 of the North Office Building in the state Capitol.
Testifiers include Dr. Jennifer Van Hook, who serves as the Director of Population Research Institute and is a Professor of Sociology and Demography at Penn State University; Dr. John D. Landis, who is the Chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s City and Regional Planning; and Dr. Maureen McClure, who is an associate professor of Administrative and Policy Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
More information, including written testimony, can be found on the committee’s website.