URBAN AFFAIRS & HOUSING COMMITTEE PRESS RELEASE

Pippy: Public Hearings on Act 47 to Begin May 23 in Harrisburg
In Pittsburgh June 21, Philadelphia July 25 to examine fiscal health of distressed cities.

Harrisburg –State Sen. John Pippy (R-37) today announced the dates for a series of public hearings on the fiscal health of Pennsylvania's cities and Act 47, the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act.

Pippy, chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, said the committee will hold its first public hearing May 23 in Harrisburg, followed by June 21 in Pittsburgh and July 25 in Philadelphia.

Pippy said the hearings will focus on cities of the First, Second and Third class, as well as Act 47, the 20-year-old state law designed to help stabilize the finances of distressed cities.

"The challenges that cities face can evolve over time and we need to make sure the response evolves too," said Pippy. "The committee members are looking forward to hearing from local officials, experts and others with ideas for improving Act 47 and other policies involving Pennsylvania cities."

The Brookings Institution, the Pennsylvania Economy League and Penn State University recently issued a joint report citing the shortcomings of Act 47 and the need to examine challenges faced by Pennsylvania's cities.

"These cities have rich histories, but regardless of their size, they are confronted by many similar structural issues," said Pippy. "It is important to make sure state laws and policies are updated to ensure fiscal stability which will allow these cities to become true regional assets."

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URBAN AFFAIRS & HOUSING COMMITTEE PRESS RELEASE

Pippy: Public Hearings on Act 47 to Begin May 23 in Harrisburg In Pittsburgh June 21, Philadelphia July 25 to examine fiscal health of distressed cities.

Pippy: Public Hearings on Act 47 to Begin May 23 in Harrisburg
In Pittsburgh June 21, Philadelphia July 25 to examine fiscal health of distressed cities.