HARRISBURG - The Senate Democratic Policy Committee will bring together venture capitalists, public policy experts, Scranton officials and economic development analysts at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the University of Scranton for an in-depth discussion about turning around Pennsylvania's economy.

The two-hour long event, at the request of Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna), will feature three panels of experts who will share their ideas about the commonwealth's immediate economic development needs, and to talk about Blake's recently enacted "Innovate in PA" program."Innovate in PA" is designed to improve Pennsylvania's capacity to support the job creators of the future with new investments of nearly $100 million in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, information technology and energy business sectors.The policy committee will also explore pending legislation designed to improve PA's business infrastructure, increase the flow of venture capital, up the volume of affordable housing, help veterans become business owners, and improve state contracting opportunities for minorities and women.