Posted: | June 13, 2022 01:53 PM |
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From: | Representative Sara Innamorato and Rep. Nick Pisciottano |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Pennsylvania Open Markets Act |
It's no secret that we are living through some of the most challenging economic circumstances in recent American history. Our economy is experiencing inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and ever-widening inequality between the haves and the have nots. These are complex issues that, unfortunately, companies with concentrated market power exploit to pad their bottom line at the expense of Pennsylvania's small businesses and working families. For decades, large companies have purchased smaller ones, creating concentrated power in particular sectors of our economy. Large, monopolistic firms use their dominant market share to harm consumers through price gouging, collusion, and other predatory, anti-competitive tactics that harm small businesses and workers. The Pennsylvania Open Markets Act protects consumers and local business owners by prohibiting anti-competitive behavior and keeping markets open and fair. In addition, this bill empowers the Attorney General to investigate companies that attempt to monopolize any part of our economy and increases penalties for anti-trust violations. A fair marketplace is a healthy marketplace. Open competition is the engine of our nation's economy, and we need to ensure that state law protects against companies that seek to restrain Pennsylvania commerce. Please join us in supporting this legislation that drives a healthy, competitive, and innovative economy by providing new protections for consumers, workers, and small businesses throughout Pennsylvania. |
Introduced as HB2677