Armanini: Pennsylvania Must Focus on Economic Growth

November 7, 2025

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/Elk) today voiced frustration over Pennsylvania’s missed opportunities to attract transformative economic investments, following a recent announcement that Louisiana will become home to the nation’s first heavy rare earth separation facility.

Aclara Resources Inc. has committed $277 million to build the facility in Louisiana, a move expected to create 140 direct jobs and nearly 500 additional indirect jobs. In a similar development, Orion Engineers and Constructors is relocating its headquarters to Baton Rouge, bringing with it a $5 million investment and the potential for over 100 high-paying positions.

Armanini issued the following statement:
“These are the kinds of projects that could and should be coming to Pennsylvania. We have the workforce, the natural resources and the heritage of innovation. But we’re losing ground because our current leadership in Harrisburg is not creating the conditions businesses need to thrive. Our government should be working together to attract new and retain existing businesses in the Commonwealth by prioritizing good economic policy.

“We need to be focused on building a business climate that welcomes investment by reducing burdensome regulations, modernizing our infrastructure and unleashing our energy potential. Instead, we’re seeing policies that make it harder for businesses to grow here, and easier for them to look elsewhere.

“This isn’t just about jobs. It’s about the future of our Commonwealth. If we cannot attract projects like these, we lose opportunities for our young people to stay, work and raise families in the towns they grew up in.

“We have a rich cultural and industrial heritage that should be part of our economic strategy. But that requires leadership that’s willing to roll up its sleeves and work across the aisle to get things done. We can’t afford to keep missing these chances. It’s time to put politics aside and get serious about making Pennsylvania a place where businesses want to invest and families want to stay.”



Representative Michael Armanini
75th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Matthew Davis
717.787.3994 
Mdavis@pahousegop.com
www.repmikearmanini.com