Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the state’s new 10-year economic development strategy at OraSure Technologies in Bethlehem, Pa. Jan. 30, 2024 (Commonwealth Media Services photo)
Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday he wants singer Billy Joel to pen a new song about Allentown, one that more closely reflects the city’s rebirth than his 1982 tune that laments its downturn. “I’m sick and tired of hearing that old song,” Shapiro said at an appearance in neighboring Bethlehem (which also gets a mention in the old song). “He owes us a new one, given what is happening in Allentown and across the Lehigh Valley.”
Shapiro made the remarks at OraSure Technologies as he officially unveiled a new economic development plan for Pennsylvania that he says will help the state better compete with neighbors like New York and Ohio. The ten-year Pennsylvania Economic Development Strategy will focus on five sectors: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology, and include several new initiatives.