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October 24, 2007
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Senate Committee Approves Funding for Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act

Measure funds HSCA through 2010-11 without tax increase.

Harrisburg – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), today approved legislation to fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund through 2010-11 without raising taxes. 

Senate Bill 1100, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator White, provides $17 million for HSCA this year. The state Department of Environmental Protection had told the legislature in the spring that it was out of money on June 30, but then was able to free up sufficient funding through the end of year. 

It earmarks $40 million out of the state Capital Stock and Franchise Tax for the following three fiscal years. The bill does not affect the Senate GOP commitment to phase out this tax by the end of 2010.

The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1100 on September 24. Drafting the legislation became necessary after the House of Representatives failed to act on a previous Senate-passed funding bill in the summer.

"I am pleased that we are moving this bill forward, and I look forward to quick consideration by the Senate," said White.  "This represents the third effort by the Senate to provide the necessary funding for HSCA without raising taxes, and I urge the Governor and the House of Representatives to get on board."

"This crisis should have been averted by addressing HSCA in the budget," said Sen. Pileggi. "But our proposal will fully fund HSCA for four years without a tax increase, and without cutting any other state programs."

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