Wolf sets up group to help create jobs, train workers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A new entity is in place to improve Pennsylvania's employment climate and help workers get training to fill existing job openings.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday signed an executive order that establishes the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center.

The center is designed to improve coordination between employers and economic development efforts as part of a workforce initiative Wolf outlined in his annual budget address earlier this month.

The Wolf administration says examples of employment barriers it wants to lower are transportation and child care needs.

It's also looking at licensure, certification and continuing education requirements.

House Republicans say they're making a priority of related bills that deal with small business loans, professional training, licensing and job creation tax credits.