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HB 42 Passes in the House!
On Wednesday, June 24, the Historic Preservation Incentive Program was passed by the House of Representatives by a 193-2 vote.
This legislation will provide:
· Grants of up to $15,000 for rehabilitation of historic residential buildings;
· State tax credits of up to $500,000 for rehabilitation of historic commercial properties; and
· Priority funding to properties located in Main Street and Elm Street areas, Enterprise Zones and Historic Districts.
The bill now heads to the Senate. Preliminary meetings have occurred with a few Senators to lay the groundwork for this legislation to move through the Senate as smoothly as possible.
If you have the opportunity to speak to any Senators, please express your interest in the bill. When the time is right for a major grassroots effort, we will let you know what you need to do.
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PA  Budget Update
The state budget deadline of June 30th is fast approaching; however, most reports indicate that the legislature is not close to having an approved budget. There is still time to reach out to your legislators, especially those in leadership positions and express your concern for the many proposed cuts that will significantly affect historic and preservation programs in the state. The Governor's Budget, the House Budget and the Senate Budget all propose varying degrees of program cuts and eliminations.
Below is a highlight of a few program cuts: -Elimination of the Museum Assistance line in the PHMC Budget that funds project grants, general operating support grants, and statewide grants, for statewide organizations like Preservation Pennsylvania, museums and historical societies -Elimination of funding for PA Heritage Areas -Significant reduction in the operating budget of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission which would affect not only staff but all the state-owned historic sites, the state museum, library and archives -Elimination or reduction of funding for Keystone Historic Preservation Grants -Reduction or elimination of funding for the Main Street and Elm Street programs -Reduction in the Housing and Redevelopment Assistance program Every version of this year's budget has been devastating to history, heritage, preservation and community revitalization.
Please reach out to your elected officials today and every day until the budget passes!
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