|
|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/20/04
Back
Jobs, quality of life issues top 2004 accomplishments
Pittsburgh, airport ASSISTANCE -- Senator Pippy's target areas during
the year
Bills promoting economic stability, job creation and quality of life issues headlined the list of legislative accomplishments during 2004, according to state Senator John Pippy.
"We passed many key pieces of legislation, including bills that increased environmental protections, improved health care, promoted responsible government and helped the City of Pittsburgh avoid bankruptcy," Senator Pippy said.
Recognizing that Pittsburgh's economy plays a direct role on the fiscal well-being of communities throughout his Senatorial District, Senator Pippy helped ensure passage of several bills designed to help the city move beyond its current crisis.
The package includes a number of interlocking economic actions that generate revenue and reduce Pittsburgh's expenses, which will stabilize the city's budget in the short term and set the stage for it to realize economic growth in the future.
"We took a long and hard look at the options and we heard a number of views about who should pay the bill for this effort," Senator Pippy said. "We wanted to stop the commuter tax and we wanted to prevent bankruptcy, while stabilizing the city's tax structure. This proposal spreads the benefits and costs. It's not a panacea, but rather a solid step toward a long-term solution."
Even beyond the work to assist Pittsburgh and its suburban neighbors, job creation and economic development remained at the top of Senator Pippy's legislative priorities in 2004.
US Airways' job cuts at Pittsburgh International Airport demonstrated the importance of state investment in the airport as part of an economic development fund established by Act 71 of 2004 – the Pennsylvania Gaming Act.
"One of the key elements of the statewide economic development fund created by Act 71 is a $150 million allocation to reduce the debt at the airport," Senator Pippy said. "This investment will provide a tremendous boost for the airport. By reducing the debt burden, costs-per-passenger can be cut and the airport will be in a better position to attract other air carriers should US Airways curtail its operations in Pittsburgh."
Senator Pippy's efforts to promote economic development and job creation also included his sponsorship of Senate Bill 1190, a bill that encourages and rewards employers who hire qualified former welfare recipients. With Governor Rendell's signature on November 19, SB 1190 ensured that the employment incentive tax credit program will be in place until December 31, 2009.
Quality of life issues were also among Senator Pippy's legislative priorities during 2004.
On Nov. 30, Governor Rendell signed into law a bill introduced by Senator Pippy that formally recognized the Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps, a senior citizens' organization involved in environmental protection efforts.
Renewed state support for other quality of life issues and programs were also key elements of the $22.8 billion state budget supported by Senator Pippy, including substantial increases in education funding, a 2 percent ($36 million) COLA for mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation workers, and an additional $8.5 million for mass transit services.
The budget also added $5.3 million in funding to Pennsylvania's libraries on top of the $4.7 million requested by the Governor. In addition, the Senate added $23 million to help resolve funding problems in state payments to Approved Private Schools.
"We have two Approved
Private Schools in the 37th District, so I am aware of the
constraints that those institutions are facing," said Senator Pippy.
"These schools and their peers across the Commonwealth provide valuable
services to Pennsylvania's families with special needs children and the
current funding impasse regarding the APS is putting that care at risk."
###
Home | Profile | News | Newsletters | Issues | Urban Affairs & Housing Committee | District Info | Contact Me | Office and Staff | Senate Resources | State Resources | Federal Resources | Senior Resources | Veterans Resources | Kids Resources | Media Links | Photo Gallery | Search
2006 © Senate of Pennsylvania