Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Tours Google in Pittsburgh, Talks Jobs and Growth

PITTSBURGH, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today toured Google Pittsburgh, where he highlighted his proposed budget's commitment to growing the state's economy and helping employers create jobs. The facility employs more than 150 engineers who are critical to the development of Google's core initiatives in Search and Ads.

"My budget is a commitment to Pennsylvania's workers. It supports our future and makes sure that workers, whether they own their business or work for someone else, have a share in the economy we are looking to build," Corbett said.

Corbett's proposed budget contains no tax or fee increases and cuts government spending by 3 percent, most of which is done by consolidating programs, targeting inefficiencies and reducing or eliminating discretionary financial grants.  

The budget refocuses and streamlines the state's support of free enterprise by supporting programs that will encourage economic growth and job creation, while supporting incentives for new and creative ideas to improve business and industry.

"State government must be a partner with business in our state to ensure the growth and retention of jobs in our communities. Economies fluctuate and industries evolve; these are realities our citizens are facing. Google's commitment to help grow this area as a high-tech corridor helps to employ their neighbors and support economic activity here in Pittsburgh," said Corbett.

Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google came to Pittsburgh in 2006 citing the area's thriving technology ecosystem as a draw. Since that time, Google Pittsburgh has grown to more than 150 employees and is committed to helping the Southwestern Pennsylvania region grow as a tech corridor.

"My proposed budget supports companies like Google that are investing in our communities and helping them to evolve in response to our changing economy. It supports programs such as the Job Opportunity Grant Program, Job Creation Tax Credits, RND tax credits and the Liberty Loan Fund," Corbett added. "Where the state can help, we're here to help. And where we can keep out of the way, we will."

Media contact: Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor