Pennsylvania is recovering from the 2009 economic crisis, though it has faced budget cuts like job losses and closed facilities. The state's top problem is lack of jobs, with over 8% unemployment. While some industries like agriculture and manufacturing provide jobs, living costs are higher and school spending greater than national averages in Amity Township. The large national debt also poses a threat to ongoing economic recovery.

1. Economy
Pennsylvania is currently recovering from the economic crisis of 2009. With the
help of the national government, new jobs are being created and then the people will be
able to pay their bills and debt. Also they will be able to pay for certain necessities.
Pennsylvania has been in debt since 1970. Our current amount of debt in the United
States is 11.4 trillion! And there is more to come. The United States has been in debt
since 1957.
Pennsylvania has also had to face harsh budget cuts. Such as lying off many of
employees, closing of the Daniel Boone Homestead, and getting rid of schools music
programs. Our own school district is losing its elementary music program and possibly
the middle school one. We are losing the program due to construction on a “mega sports
arena” for high school sports.
The number one problem facing Pennsylvania is……….jobs. 8.9 percent of the
population in PA that are currently unemployed compared to the 4.4 percent in
December. There are currently 5,548,900 people employed in PA. Over 260,000 people
have been laid off. 9-9.9 percent of the people in Berks County are out of work.
The Pennsylvania sales tax is 6 percent. It is exempt on food, clothing, textbooks,
heating fuels, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs. Gas tax is 32 cents per
gallon. Cigarette tax is $1.60 for a pack of 20.
The most popular job in the Reading Area is gaming and sports books authors
with the highest percent of popularity vs. average. The occupation with the most jobs in
the area is molding, core making, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders,
metal and plastic with 910 jobs. The job that makes the most yearly salary is vocational
education teachers and secondary (middle school) teachers with $55,330.
Compared to the rest of the country, Amity township (Berks county)'s cost of
living is 2.98% Higher than the U.S. average. Amity township (Berks County) public
schools spend $6,383 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058.
There are about 19 students per teacher in Amity Township (Berks County). The
unemployment rate in Amity township (Berks county) is 8.90 percent (U.S. avg. is
8.50%). Recent job growth is Negative. Amity township (Berks County) jobs have
decreased by 1.50 percent.
Pennsylvania’s top five agricultural products are dairy products, cattle and calves,
greenhouse and nursery products, mushrooms, and chicken eggs. 70 percent of
Pennsylvania's agricultural income is generated by livestock and livestock products. Milk
is the state's most important livestock product. Pennsylvania is a leading state in the
production of milk.
The US is $13.75 trillion in debt.