PRINTER'S NO. 2252
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
439
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY SCHLOSSBERG, DeLUCA, LONGIETTI, MADDEN, PASHINSKI
AND READSHAW, JULY 24, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY, JULY 24, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a comprehensive study to determine and report on the
potential impact of the ongoing retail collapse and the
resultant closing of brick-and-mortar retail stores, malls
and shopping centers on the work force and economy of this
Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, Technological change impelled by new infrastructure
and favorable tax policies have created a radical shift in the
way Americans shop, resulting in an escalating number of
displaced workers as the number of consumers shopping online
increases and physical retail locations close; and
WHEREAS, Further shifts in consumer spending pose additional
challenges to brick-and-mortar retail stores due to rising
inflation and decreasing wage growth; and
WHEREAS, The failure of suburban malls and the shuttering of
physical retail stores is projected to have an impact on the
modern work force similar to that of the 20th-century decline of
urban retail seen in American downtowns; and
WHEREAS, Statistics released by the United States Department
of Labor reflect that the number of retail jobs have continued
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to decline, losing nearly 100,000 workers since October 2016 and
nearly 30,000 in March 2017 alone; and
WHEREAS, Low-skilled workers are facing the greatest impact
due to the constant loss of jobs in the retail sector; and
WHEREAS, Alternative ways to reuse and repurpose vacated
retail spaces must be identified to create jobs and revitalize
communities; and
WHEREAS, Government plays a vital role in understanding the
potential impact of the challenges faced as a result of the
closing of retail stores and must work to staunch the current
displacement of workers and the negative economic effects on the
surrounding communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
conduct a comprehensive study of the effects of the shuttering
of physical retail locations on the work force and economy of
this Commonwealth, with specific emphasis on retention of
workers and the potential alteration of tax policies; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
review the challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing
downfall of suburban retail stores, focusing on the economic
impact of its decline, needs related to unemployment and
displacement in the work force and the development of plans to
revitalize vacated retail space; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
submit a report of its findings to the House of Representatives
by December 31, 2018.
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