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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 4, 2013 02:54 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Rob Teplitz |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Requiring Permanent State Funding for City Fire, Emergency Services |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation to permanently require full reimbursement from the state for providing fire protection and emergency services to the 40 tax-exempt state-owned buildings located in the city. Rep. Patty Kim plans on introducing identical legislation in the House. While Harrisburg shares the financial struggles of other Third Class Cities, it clearly has unique burdens as the capital city of our Commonwealth. Nearly 49% of its properties are tax exempt due to the public and non-profit sectors. Nevertheless, over 50% of the Bureau of Fire’s operating budget is derived through taxes. Historically, the Commonwealth has grossly underfunded the City of Harrisburg for providing emergency fire protection services. Earlier this year, along with Rep. Patty Kim, Harrisburg Receiver Maj. Gen. William Lynch, and local officials, I successfully fought for $5 million in the 2013-14 state budget, which covers the city’s annual cost of providing these services at the Capitol Complex. Now, I want that funding to remain intact in future state budgets. I ask you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |