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Senate approves bills to help emergency volunteers

Water, sewer project funding bill headed to House

Final Senate approval of bills to help Pennsylvania’ emergency responders and to provide funding for water and sewer projects across the state were among the highlights of this past week, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39).

The Senate approved a package of four bills, all co-sponsored by Senator Regola, that would provide nearly $23 million in tax credits and tuition reimbursements for fire and emergency medical services volunteers and employers.

Senate Bill 1314 would establish a $500 state personal income tax credit for active members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical services organizations.

Senate Bill 1315 would create an undergraduate tuition reimbursement program for active volunteers with a 50 percent reimbursement for each course credit.

Senate Bill 1316 would provide a $1,000 tax credit against an employer's personal income tax, corporate net income tax, or capital stock and franchise tax for each volunteer fire and/or emergency services employee, up to but not to exceed $5000 per employer. 

Senate Bill 1169 would authorize tax credits to emergency responders of up to $400 toward their local income taxes.

On Wednesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 2 -- H2O PA -- a plan co-sponsored by Senator Regola to provide $800 million in funding for critical water and sewer projects, storm water projects, flood control projects, and high-hazard dam repairs.  The bond will be funded with revenue from the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.  This funding will be available for projects throughout the state, with a priority being given to those involving consolidation and a second priority being given to those involving regional projects. 

To be eligible for funding, a project must be owned by a municipality or authority, and must include local matching funds totaling at least 50 percent of the project cost.  The Commonwealth Financing Authority will evaluate applications, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) providing technical review and assistance. 

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Contact:  Nathan Silcox (717) 787-6063