Posted: | January 6, 2021 11:40 AM |
---|---|
From: | Representative Peter Schweyer |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Increase to Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credits |
The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) has long been recognized as one of the most successful tax credit programs. I have seen these programs at work in my district in Allentown. NAPs (along with Special Program Priorities, Neighborhood Partnership, and the Charitable Food Program) are excellent public-private partnerships that incentivize corporate investment in community rebuilding projects. Yet year after year, the program is forced to turn eligible applicants away because the millions of dollars available get dedicated right away. Even the recent increase of $18 million to $36 million has not been enough to provide credits to all the worthy programs that apply. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have found ourselves in unprecedented times, and the people of Pennsylvania have been coming together to find new ways to help their communities. My legislation would provide an additional $10 million in NAP tax credits, increasing the program to $46 million, dedicated exclusively to public health concerns. This extra funding would help to address public health events that affect all of our communities, such as a pandemic or the opioid crisis. As state representatives, we are in a particularly unique position to identify existing programs that not only work but could deliver quick and impactful relief where we need it most. Please join me in co-sponsoring this crucial legislation to further provide for our neighbors and communities as we all move forward together during these stressful times. |