FAYETTE — Pat Stefano will host a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing Feb. 18 to examine initiatives aimed at improving housing attainability across Pennsylvania.
The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 103 of the Eberly Building at Penn State Fayette, located at 2201 University Drive. The event will be streamed live on the committee’s website.
Stefano, a Republican representing the 32nd District, invited the committee, chaired by Dave Argall, R-29, to Fayette County to develop strategies focused on increasing housing supply, lowering costs and supporting economic growth.
In January, Stefano joined other senators in introducing legislation aimed at addressing what lawmakers have described as a statewide housing crisis.
“Quality housing is the foundation of economic growth,” Stefano said. “If we want businesses to thrive and families to put down roots, we need to make it easier for people to both work and live here. I’m eager to show my colleagues the progress being made across Southwestern Pennsylvania to ensure that hardworking families have the housing options they deserve.”
Argall said housing concerns consistently rank among the top issues raised by employers and workers.
“There is no issue I hear more about from employers and employees than the need for more housing options close to home,” Argall said. “I look forward to a productive discussion on how we can build on our efforts to transform vacant, blighted properties into attainable housing options for families.”
The panel will include local officials, housing advocates, builders and developers who are expected to discuss barriers to construction, redevelopment of vacant properties and policy changes that could stimulate additional housing development.
Lawmakers have identified housing availability and affordability as key priorities this legislative session, citing workforce recruitment challenges and economic competitiveness concerns tied to limited housing supply in parts of the state.
