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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 4, 2015 01:26 PM
From:	Representative Michael K. Hanna
To:	All House members
Subject:	Motor License Fund

In the near future I will introduce House Bill 1760 to ensure that the first $500 million in State Police funding comes from the Motor License Fund and the remainder comes from the General Fund. After years of struggling to pay for road and bridge improvements, the General Assembly passed Act 89 of 2013, a funding package that is expected to invest billions of dollars over the next several years in our transportation infrastructure. As many of you remember, the number of bridge repairs being performed in the state dropped from 1,336 in 2009 to 525 in 2013. Act 89 brought an influx of money that allowed the state to invest $669 million to repair 682 bridges in 2014. The critical dollars generated by Act 89 are deposited into the Motor License Fund for the purpose of transportation improvements. Pennsylvanians expect the revenue increases from the funding act to be used primarily for bridges and highways but there has been growing concern about the increasing amount of revenue being diverted for other uses. Per the Pennsylvania Constitution, the money in the fund may only be used for highway purposes, including increasing safety on public highways and bridges. In an effort to fulfill the promise made to the residents of this Commonwealth, I am introducing legislation to ensure that the repair and maintenance of our roads and bridges remains the primary purpose of the Motor License Fund. I also recognize the importance of safety on our highways so adequately funding our State Police should be a priority as well. With this in mind, under House Bill 1760, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, not more than $625 million would be transferred from the Motor License Fund for the purpose of State Police operations. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and every year after, no more than $500 million would be transferred for State Police operations. The goal of this legislation is to use the valuable dollars in the Motor License Fund for their intended purpose. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Lynette Perkins at 717-772-2283 or by e-mail at LMPerkins@pahouse.net.

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