On April 21, the PA Conservation District Association set a letter to all members of the House opposing efforts by House Republicans to freeze funding for county conservation districts which they said would shut down conservation districts across the state, delay local construction projects and hurt local economies.
The amendment was added to House Bill 1822 by House Republicans Monday, with all Democrats opposing. Read more here. UPDATE: Republicans may try to amend another bill with the same language going to the Governor -- Senate Bill 327.
The text of the letter said--
“The House may soon consider House Bill 1822 which includes a provision freezing any further project funding from the Conservation Districts Fund and other funds.
“Our conservation districts are currently operating remotely, continuing to perform the important duties to keep the residents in our counties environmentally safe.
“We are also providing guidance to those entities who will eventually need permit approvals for projects that will begin after all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
“By suspending funding from the Conservation District Fund, the PA General Assembly will be shutting down conservation districts, meaning all project planning and design would stop. Additionally, any emergency site visits would cease to exist.
“This is particularly crucial since the construction industry will begin operations in the near future and they won’t be able to obtain their necessary Chapter 102 NPDES permits without approval from conservation districts.
“We understand the gravity of today’s health situation, but are asking you oppose HB 1822 as it is currently amended to freeze project funding from the Conservation District Fund and the Environmental Stewardship Fund.
“Freezing these funds will not reduce the spread of the Covid-19 disease, but will be extremely detrimental to our county’s economy.
“Conservation districts need to continue functioning remotely so we can keep our neighbors safe and our economy back on the right track after all restrictions are lifted.
“Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”
For more information, visit the PA Conservation District Association website.
[Posted: April 21, 2020] PA Environment Digest
$172 Million Just Sitting There
Of course, the Senate and House are still sitting on a $172 million surplus in their own operating accounts, but they don’t seem to want to repurpose the money to help real people recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
Sacrifice is good… for other people in their view, apparently.
Click Here to read more about "legislative privilege" and hiding how the General Assembly spends taxpayer money.
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