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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 11, 2021 12:44 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Help Counties Raise Revenue for Open Space Preservation |
According to a Brookings Institute report, revenues for state and local governments will fall an estimated $467 billion over the next three years. With these budget shortfalls, municipalities and counties across Pennsylvania need additional support to fund important local services. For this reason, I will be introducing legislation to allow counties to raise additional revenues which could be used for a variety of uses related to recreation and the preservation of open spaces through a property or income tax. As each county faces its own unique circumstances, this legislation gives them the freedom to decide whether a tax is imposed, how that tax works, and where the revenue is used. In addition, the people in the county must vote to pass a referendum on the tax before it takes effect, so the taxpayers will ultimately have the final say. At the same time, this revenue could make a huge difference for the counties that need it to make it through these difficult times. The natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces is one of our greatest defining attributes. Please help provide the funding our local governments need to protect that beauty. |
Introduced as HB908