Governmental Cooperation Bills Clear Committee

Would promote joint efforts to develop recreational facilities

Support for proposals to promote intergovernmental cooperation on recreational projects were among several key committee votes during the Senate session week of October 15, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50)

Among the bills approved by committees was a three-bill package approved by the Senate Local Government Committee that would allow local governments to work together -- as well as with non-profit corporations -- to develop recreation facilities and programs.

Senate Bills 1002, 1003, and 1004, all co-sponsored by Senator Robbins, would allow boroughs and townships to partner with counties, cities, townships, boroughs, towns, school districts, or non-profits to acquire property for, create, or operate recreational facilities, such as swimming pools and ballparks.

"I strongly support bills like these that foster intergovernmental cooperation," said Senator Robbins, who serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Local Government Commission. "There is strength in numbers and that is especially the case when local entities and non-profit organizations work together to develop recreational facilities. They bring more expertise and resources to the table and that is something that benefits everyone."

Those bills now head to the full Senate for further consideration.

The Senate Finance Committee approved three bills on Monday and sent them on to the full Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 777 would amend current state laws to help school districts, cities, townships and boroughs more efficiently collect delinquent real estate taxes and municipal fees. The bill also refines and improves the process by which municipalities hire third party collection firms, improves the public information requirements set by statute, and clarifies ambiguities in the current law.

Senate Bill 65 would extend the authorization of Keystone Opportunity Zone and Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone programs from 2010 to 2028. Companies setting up operations in a KOEZ or KOZ receive various forms of regulatory relief as well as tax abatements, credits, deductions and exemptions. These areas may also receive other benefits including lower interest rates and priority consideration for state assistance under state and community economic development and community building initiatives.

House Bill 169 amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to expand the definition of daily drawing and increases prize limits for small games of chance conducted by charitable organizations.

"Many volunteer fire companies and community groups rely on small games of chance as fund raising tools and the state has not raised the maximum payouts for those games in many years," said Senator Robbins. "I support the on-going efforts in the General Assembly to help community groups as well as volunteer fire companies and ambulance corps in their efforts to raise the necessary funds to continue their important missions in our communities."

The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies took the first step this week toward enacting a new energy policy for Pennsylvania with its approval of Special Session Senate Bill 1, the proposed "Alternative Energy Investment Act."

Special Session SB 1 proposes using existing state revenues to provide grants and loans for projects geared toward improving energy supply and efficiency, conservation and reduced demand for energy.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322