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For Immediate
Release
4/25/07
CONTACT:
Greg Mahon
(717) 787-5839
Pippy: Public Hearings on Act 47 to Begin May 23 in Harrisburg
In
Pittsburgh June 21, Philadelphia July 25 to examine fiscal health of
distressed cities.
Harrisburg – State Sen.
John Pippy (R-37) today announced the dates for a series of public hearings on
the fiscal health of Pennsylvania's cities and Act 47, the Municipalities
Financial Recovery Act.
Pippy, chairman
of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, said the committee
will hold its first public hearing May 23 in Harrisburg, followed by
June 21 in Pittsburgh and July 25 in Philadelphia.
Pippy said the
hearings will focus on cities of the First, Second and Third class, as
well as Act 47, the 20-year-old state law designed to help stabilize the
finances of distressed cities.
"The challenges
that cities face can evolve over time and we need to make sure the
response evolves too," said Pippy. "The committee members are looking
forward to hearing from local officials, experts and others with ideas
for improving Act 47 and other policies involving Pennsylvania cities."
The
Brookings Institution, the Pennsylvania Economy League and Penn State
University recently issued a joint report citing the shortcomings of Act
47 and the need to examine challenges faced by Pennsylvania's cities.
"These cities
have rich histories, but regardless of their size, they are confronted
by many similar structural issues," said Pippy. "It is
important to
make sure state laws and policies are updated to ensure fiscal stability
which will allow these cities to become true regional assets."
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