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For Immediate
Release
3/26/07
CONTACT:
Greg Mahon
(717) 787-5839
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Pippy Announces Series of Committee Hearings on Act 47
Beginning in late May, will examine fiscal health of Pittsburgh, other
distressed cities.
Harrisburg – The
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. John Pippy
(R-37), will hold a series of public hearings on Act 47 and the fiscal
health of Pennsylvania's cities, beginning with Pittsburgh in late May.
Pippy said the
hearings will focus on cities of the First, Second and Third class, as
well as Act 47, the state law designed to help stabilize the finances of
distressed cities.
"It's
been more than three years since Act 47 regulations took effect in
Pittsburgh. We need to examine what's working and what isn't, and what
can be done to improve the measure," said Pippy. "Beyond Pittsburgh, we
want to take a look at the fiscal health of all of Pennsylvania's cities
of the First, Second and Third classes. These cities have rich
histories, but also special challenges, and it's important to make sure
state laws and policies are updated to respond to those challenges in
the most effective manner."
Pittsburgh was
placed under Act 47 restrictions in December 2003. The law restricts
spending and requires the city to submit a long-term recovery plan to a
state-appointed panel.
Of the 22 cities
and communities that have entered Act 47 "distressed status," only five
have exited.
"Act
47 has been on the books for 20 years, so we have a pretty good record
to review to help the committee determine what can be done better," said
Pippy.
The committee's
intention to study this issue was recently strengthened by the release
of reports issued jointly by
the Brookings
Institution, the Pennsylvania Economy League and Penn State University
that cited the shortcomings of Act 47 and the need to examine challenges
faced by Pennsylvania's cities.
The first hearing will be held in late May
in Pittsburgh, with other cities to follow. Specific dates will be
announced when details are worked out.
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