10,000 Friends E-Update July 2008

The Legislature's Spring 2008 session concluded on July 4, when Governor Ed Rendell signed the 2008-09 budget, and legislators adjourned for the summer recess. We bring you an update on just a few of the many, many legislative initiatives that were in play. We have to report, it is a mixed bag. Through it all, we thank you for your calls, letters and conversations with your elected officials. Your advocacy is so valuable. We hear that every day from legislators who tell us they are hearing from you!

Historic Preservation Remains Unfunded

Highest on our list of initiatives that advance community revitalization was final passage of historic preservation incentives this spring. We saw widespread support for the tax credit and grant programs enabled by House Bill HB 221 (PN 4000), the Historic Preservation Incentive Program, introduced by Rep. Tom Tangretti. Ultimately, though, the bill was not considered by the full Senate, and the the $15 million requested for the program was not included in the 2008-09 budget.

We continue to fight for a revenue source for this program, and will work on passage of the enabling legislation through the Senate this fall. The bill (which has already passed the House unanimously) would spur community revitalization by helping to fill the financing gap for the restoration of historic buildings in economically challenged neighborhoods, and serve as a catalyst for more investment in a community. Please keep alert to our messages requesting your help. And please visit our web page for 10,000 Friends' letter to leadership in support of the bill as well as details about the legislation and its value to communities across Pennsylvania.

Earned Income Tax Collection Reformed

On July 2, the Governor signed Act 32 of 2008, a long-anticipated Earned Income Tax collection reform measure, bringing uniformity, clarity and fairness to the process. Click here for our press release acknowledging the importance of this reform, introduced by Sen. Jane Earll, and commending the officials and advocates from the business, government and non-profit community who supported this systemic reform. The new law reduces the number of tax collectors from 560 to 69, streamlines the system and creates uniform rules.

Budget Provides Funding for Infrastructure
For more details about the 2008-09 budget signed by Gov. Ed Rendell, click here. Of the many highlights, infrastructure investment stands out. The budget includes nearly $2 billion in investments for repairs, water and sewer infrastructure, high-hazard dams and outmoded rail and aviation facilities, problems that were decades in the making.

Kittanning

We're pleased to see that in his budget message on July 4, Gov. Rendell directed "PennDOT to speed the improvement process by using smart transportation principles to ensure that designs are efficient, cost-effective and fit within the community." In a July 11 address to the State Planning Board, PennDOT Secretary Al Biehler said, "The desire to go 'through' a place must be balanced with the desire to go 'to' a place." He directed members of the Board to the department's new Smart Transportation Guidebook. Click here for the PennDOT website, and click to the link for the guidebook. It includes the principles that guide planning and the tools PennDOT is enlisting in its collaboration with partners across the state. The secretary said he will announce a financial commitment to smart transportation projects in upcoming weeks. 10,000 Friends has been working with PennDOT on advancing smart transportation initiatives, and we will keep you informed as the details become available.

Water and Sewer Upgrades in the Budget

The budget also calls for $1.2 billion to upgrade Pennsylvania's drinking water and wastewater facilities and rehabilitate high-hazard dams. Expect to see a referendum on the November 2008 ballot to decide whether to make another $400 million available through a bond to support additional improvements to the state's water and sewer systems.

Protecting our infrastructure would be enhanced with the passage of House Bill 2266, the Integrated Water Resources, Restoration, Protection and Management Act, introduced by Rep. David Steil. Steil calls the bill "a master plan for water resources." The legislation allows counties, on a voluntary basis, to develop integrated water resources plans that would address water resources comprehensively. It has not yet been voted on by the House of Representatives.