|
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2011
CONTACT:
Colleen Greer
Phone: 717-787-6801
Back to News Releases
Piccola Unveils Legislation Calling for State Takeover of Third Class Cities
In Gridlock Regarding Their Fiscal Recovery
HARRISBURG – In response to the long-awaited Act 47 plan
for the City of Harrisburg, Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) introduced today
legislation that would create a management board for distressed cities of the
third class failing to adopt or implement the Act 47 coordinator's plan.
Piccola was joined by 12 cosponsors to his legislation including: Senate
Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi and Senators Earll, Vance, Folmer, Gordner,
Waugh, Alloway, Baker, Erickson, Orie, Browne, and Tomlinson.
Under Senate Bill 1151, a management board would be
established in the event a distressed third class city fails to adopt or
implement the coordinator's plan under Act 47. The management board would
consist of three persons; two members appointed by the Governor and one
appointed by the county commissioners of the affected city. The management
board would work to implement the coordinator plan, negotiate intergovernmental
cooperative agreements, and have the authority to direct the sale of assets.
The legislation would also prohibit any distressed city that falls under this
designation from filing for bankruptcy.
"It is clear from their public comments and reactions to
the Act 47 plan that virtually every municipal official elected in the City of
Harrisburg has taken an irresponsible position concerning the city's fiscal
mess. These individuals are looking for bail-outs, which should not be
considered," Piccola said. "Act 47 needs teeth and Senate Bill 1151 will
provide those teeth not only to Harrisburg, but all current and future Act 47
cities across Pennsylvania."
"Despite what some critics have suggested, this bill does
not 'overreach.' The egregious spending and fiscal irresponsibility of
Harrisburg's elected municipal officials has been far more overreaching
throughout the years," he added. "No doubt, certain elected officials lack the
courage to be leaders in this crisis; therefore, I am given no choice but to
exercise leadership and responsibility on behalf of my constituency, not only in
Harrisburg but throughout the region."
Senate Bill 1151 will be referred to the Senate Community,
Economic and Recreational Development Committee. |
