Posted: | December 28, 2020 05:19 PM |
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From: | Senator Judith L. Schwank and Sen. Jay Costa |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Creating a Permanent Nonprofit Security Grant Fund |
Act 83 of 2019 created the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. The tragic violence targeted at the Jewish community at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh underscored a need to bolster the security of organizations serving or representing groups frequently targeted for hateful and violent acts. $5 million was transferred in the previous and current fiscal year to the fund. It is set to expire in 2024. Our legislation would permanently establish the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund to address security needs and confront violence and intolerance against organizations whose membership is diverse and whose purpose is to serve our communities or to foster tolerance, respect and understanding in our Commonwealth. As is currently the case, the grants would provide for security improvements for facilities used by such organizations, as well as grants to create a dialogue leading to an atmosphere supportive of tolerance, respect and understanding. Grants will continue to be awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Our legislation would increase the funds appropriated in the first year of permanent program enactment to $10 million dollars. In subsequent years, it would be subject to the annual budget process. Please consider joining us in cosponsoring this legislation. This legislation is similar in scope and nature to SB 676 from last session. |
Introduced as SB228