On a stop in Lancaster city, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvania intends to follow through with its $21 million commitment to the expansion of the GSK vaccine plant near Marietta despite the vaccine skepticism of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to run the federal Health and Human Services Department.
Nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat in the primary and an independent in the general election before dropping out and endorsing Trump. He is known for his skepticism of vaccines and spreading misinformation about the safety of vaccines. Kennedy, who never worked in health care, is also known for his criticism of the pharmaceutical industry, processed foods and water fluoridation.
If confirmed, Kennedy would lead the $1.7 trillion HHS, which regulates food and drugs, funds research and sets vaccine recommendations.
In October, Shapiro announced the $21 million in state grants on top of local tax incentives to support an expansion of British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company GSK vaccine packaging facility in East Donegal Township. GSK plans to invest $800 million over the next four years in an expansion project that would add research and manufacturing capabilities along with 200 jobs.
“The deal is not going to fall through,” Shapiro said Wednesday in answering an LNP | LancasterOnline question. “The commonwealth made an investment; we’re going to carry forth…. GSK is already constructing their new facility.”
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Shapiro said if the federal government curtails the availability of vaccines because Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda then the state’s life sciences sector would be harmed. That sector includes GSK and a few other Lancaster County pharmaceutical operations.
But Shapiro said he has been encouraged by the fact that leaders on both sides of the aisle have challenged Kennedy.
“It seems like every time he gets a challenge he sort of backs down,” Shapiro said, noting that former Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell challenged Kennedy on eliminating the polio vaccine.
Shapiro acknowledged that parents and adults will make choices on their personal vaccination.
“But the bottom line is that we should be instructed by the science behind it, not by any kind of extreme views, especially by an individual like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,” Shapiro said, adding he was open to “hearing what his plans really are.”
Shapiro was in Lancaster city on Wednesday touting his administration’s efforts to cut taxes, deliver economic relief for Pennsylvania families, and invest in the Main Streets and small businesses that he said drive economic growth in communities.
Shapiro visited Sweetish Candy, a Swedish candy store; J.A. Sharp Custom Jeweler, a jewelry store; and Madcap & Co., a gift shop featuring locally and USA-made goods. He was joined by Lancaster City Alliance President Marshall Snively and Democratic state Rep.Ismail Smith-Wade-El, whose 49th District includes Lancaster city.
READ: Here’s what is holding Lancaster County’s economy back
Here are takeaways from the visit:
The governor’s business pitch
Shapiro touted actions taken over the last two years to reduce costs and lower taxes. He noted a few things in the 2024-25 budget including $20 million in the Main Street Matters Program to support small businesses and commercial corridors. This program builds on and modernizes the Keystone Communities Program, which has already supported neighborhoods and downtown districts across Pennsylvania. The budget calls for $500 million to support economic development, including $400 million to create the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program to develop competitive, shovel-ready sites for business expansion or relocation. The program received bipartisan support.
“With the holiday season in full swing, my administration is focused on the work we’ve done to deliver real relief to Pennsylvanians by cutting taxes and helping families keep more of their hard-earned money,” Shapiro said. “We’re committed to uplifting small businesses and revitalizing the Main Streets – like this one here in downtown Lancaster and others all across the Commonwealth – that serve as the foundation of our communities. These investments are not just about today — they’re about building a stronger, more vibrant economy where families and businesses can succeed for years to come.”
READ: Lancaster County’s unemployment rate ticks up, still among the lowest in the state
More than shopping malls
Both Smith-Wade-el and Snively pointed out Lancaster city has more than one Main Street type shopping district.
“Our small business and merchant community is the lifeblood of Lancaster and a major reason as to why this city is so special,” said Snively. “This city has over 300 places to eat, shop and enjoy — which is more than most shopping malls. Our merchants work hard on special promotions with us including restaurant weeks, art walks and tons of holiday activities to showcase what this great city has to offer. We commend Gov. Shapiro and his commitment to and support of small business. Programs such as Main Street Matters are key to the continued growth of Pennsylvania cities like Lancaster.”
Madcap & Co, owner Marty Hulse said downtown Lancaster has “traditionally been a very fruitful place for small business.” He noted F.W. Woolworth, the store that grew to a national icon status, and other success stories that began in Lancaster.
“I don’t know what it is; if it is in the water or if it’s in the soil but small business is very prosperous here and always has been in downtown Lancaster,” said Hulse, who operates three businesses including Building Character, a retail shop and Lucky, a manufacturing company. “We’re more than shops; we’re the lifeblood of neighborhoods. We offer unique products and personalized experiences.”
Shapiro echoed comments from Snively and encouraged shoppers to visit Main Street businesses throughout the year, not just during the holidays.