Congress created Tech Hub program in CHIPS and Science Act to create high-tech jobs in cities across Nation
Casey’s support for Lehigh Valley application comes after rousing speech laying out his vision for future of American economy by investing in American workers and manufacturing
ICYMI: Sen. Casey tours manufacturer Infinera, touts CHIPS and Science Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter of support for the Lehigh Valley’s application for designation as a Tech Hub. Created by the CHIPS and Science Act, the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hub) program is an economic development initiative aimed at accelerating growth in technology sectors, and the high-paying jobs that come with it, in cities and communities across the country. The Lehigh Valley’s application, led by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, will reinvigorate and expand the region’s existing communications and semiconductor sectors to build a Hub focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of next generation communications technologies.
“The Tech Hubs program will jumpstart the growth potential of cities and communities ready to lead the global economy, simultaneously creating good jobs here at home while allowing the United States to take control of our own economic future,” said Senator Casey. “The Lehigh Valley already has a strong legacy of industry in semiconductor and 21st century communications technology, and a Tech Hub designation would build on that good work by spurring further innovation and entrepreneurship for decades to come.”
Congresswoman Susan Wild also supported the Lehigh Valley's Tech Hub application.
“I’m very proud to be working with partners from across our community to support this Tech Hub application, because I believe there’s no better place for a Tech Hub than the Greater Lehigh Valley,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “From our strong local economy and manufacturing and technology sectors, to the collaboration among our academic, workforce development, and business and non-profit communities, the Lehigh Valley is uniquely situated to host a Tech Hub and further drive American innovation and job growth. I will continue advocating every step of the way to deliver this monumental investment for our region’s economic and technological sector.”
Senator Casey is fighting to bring jobs and economic investment back to Pennsylvania. He worked to pass the CHIP and Science Act to produce semiconductors in the United States, reducing the U.S.’ reliance on foreign adversaries, including China, for critical technology manufacturing. Senator Casey has urged Secretary Raimondo to consider Pennsylvania for future semiconductor manufacturing investments from the CHIPS law, and visited semiconductor producer Infinera to see the high-tech manufacturing already happening in the Commonwealth. Casey has also pushed the Administration to implement the Tech Hubs program quickly to spur innovation in communities as soon as possible. In June, Senator Casey delivered a rousing speech to union workers and business leaders outlining his vision for the United States to take control of its economic future by investing in American workers and manufacturing, as well as stopping investments in national security sectors from going to countries of concern, including China. Last month, the Senate overwhelmingly passed Senator Casey’s legislation to screen those investments by a vote of 91-6. Building on Casey’s efforts, the Biden Administration issued an executive order addressing the issue earlier this month.
Full text of the letter is below and the signed PDF is HERE.
The Honorable Gina Raimondo
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20230
Dear Secretary Raimondo,
I write today in support of the Lehigh Valley region’s application for designation as a Tech Hub under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hub program. I understand that the region’s application is focused on 21st century communications technology and semiconductors and seeks to reinvigorate and expand on legacy assets in the area in order to drive global competitiveness, strengthen economic and national security, and promote equitable growth in a critical region. Given that this application has the potential to be transformative for the region and the nation, I urge you to give this application full and fair consideration.
I understand that the proposed Hub, led by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, intends to focus on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of next generation communications technologies. The communications and semiconductor sectors have rich histories in the region and some of the largest relevant firms have key presences there. From its position at the nexus of multiple technological fields as well as multiple geographic regions, the Lehigh Valley is uniquely poised to grow into a national and global leader in their target sector. However, without targeted, coordinated federal investment, the region faces the risk of remaining a half step behind leading innovation hubs. A Tech Hub designation, and the public and private investment that may follow, would pave the way for the region to level up to true global competitiveness. Further activating the Lehigh Valley’s existing assets with a hub designation would not just benefit the region—it would help ensure that the United States remains at the vanguard of communications and semiconductor technology well into the future.
At the national level, the Tech Hub program is a recognition of the need to drive growth and activate resources throughout the country, rather than allowing a handful of cities to benefit from the upward mobility provided by easy access to venture capital and jobs on, or supporting those on, the innovation frontier. For the region, the designation provides the opportunity to plan, collaborate, and strategically evolve in a way that benefits national economic competitiveness and national security.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff at (202) 224-4195.
###
