Sens. Pisciottano & Kim with Reps. Madsen, Inglis, & Davidson Introduce FORGES to Reignite PA Manufacturing
Harrisburg, PA, July 17, 2025 – State Senators Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), along with State Representatives David Madsen (D-Dauphin), John Inglis (D-Allegheny), and Nate Davidson (D-Cumberland, Dauphin), today announced the introduction of companion legislation designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s steel industry, protect and create jobs, and reestablish the Commonwealth’s leadership in American manufacturing. Senate Bill 949 and House Bill 1749, titled Fueling Opportunities for the Revitalization, Growth, and Efficiency of Steel (FORGES), aim to support domestic steel production and protect one of the state’s most critical industries from global economic pressures.
Steel production has played a defining role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and cultural identity. At its peak in the early 20th century, Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania produced over half of the nation’s steel, helping to build America’s cities and power its military during World War II. For more than a century, the steel industry has been a major driver of Pennsylvania’s economy and the foundation of the American middle class.
That legacy remains, but in recent decades, foreign competition, unfair trade practices, and outdated infrastructure have led to a steady decline in domestic steel production. The FORGES legislation is designed to reverse that by reinvesting in steel communities, boosting domestic production, and equipping Pennsylvania’s steel manufacturers with the resources needed to compete in the global market.
“Pennsylvania’s steel built this country’s cities, powered its military victories, and created the union jobs that built the American middle class,” said Senator Pisciottano. “It’s time we recommit to that tradition and invest in the future of steelmaking in our state.”
The FORGES legislation includes two major components:
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Pennsylvania-Made Steel: This exemption will incentivize production in Pennsylvania-based facilities and generate increased demand for high-quality steel made in the Commonwealth.
- FORGES Tax Credit Program: Businesses that invest in steelmaking facilities in Pennsylvania will be eligible for tax credits, with enhanced incentives for those that incorporate the latest technologies and processes to increase efficiency and sustainability.
The legislators emphasized that revitalizing steel production is about economic development, protecting Pennsylvania’s workforce, and preserving the legacy of steel towns across the Commonwealth.
“Since the 1860s, the steel that built America has run through Steelton. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the fleets that won two World Wars to the power plants that fuel our homes, the steel leaving its rolls has been critical to our nation’s growth. It remains a critical asset that should be used to its full potential,” said Senator Kim. “Unfortunately, underinvestment has limited the plant from reaching its full operational potential when our nation stands at a critical juncture. The state just announced over $90 billion in AI development and energy projects, the electrical grid is desperate for increased production, and national defense is more important than ever with developments in the Middle East. There is no reason the Steelton mill should not be running around the clock producing the materials needed to support every one of these endeavors, like it has for over 150 years.”
“I will continue to fight for Pennsylvania’s steel industry and stand by the hundreds of steelworkers in my district,” said Representative Madsen. “It’s time for the state to step up and create meaningful incentives to revitalize this vital industry while protecting jobs, creating new ones, and keeping our communities strong.”
The legislation is garnering support from union leaders who see it as a much-needed boost for an industry that has long served as the foundation of many Pennsylvania communities, with the potential to preserve and create good-paying jobs for workers.
“I think it’s very important, the steel industry is still a huge part of our economy in western Pennsylvania” said Bernie Hall, Director of USW District 10, based in North Versailles. “This is legislation that actually has teeth behind it.” Hall added that the Steelworkers union is hopeful that other state legislators will sign onto the FORGES bill and that it will reach Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Senator Pisciottano, Senator Kim, and Representative Madsen reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside legislative colleagues, industry leaders, and labor unions to advance the FORGES legislation and craft a comprehensive economic package that positions Pennsylvania at the center of modern steelmaking.