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For Immediate Release
6/19/08
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Regola/Pippy Bill Promotes Local Government Cooperation

Harrisburg -- Today, Senators Bob Regola (R-39) and John Pippy (R-37) introduced Senate Bill 1496, which would further encourage local governments and municipal authorities to work together.

Currently, local governments may enter into intergovernmental cooperation agreements, but municipal authorities are not specifically mentioned in that authorization, said Sen. Regola, Chairman of the Senate Local Government Committee.

"This legislation would specifically permit and encourage cooperation between municipal authorities," said Sen. Regola.  "We have seen the benefits that local government can gain through cooperative arrangements.  By pooling their individual resources, they can collectively address many individual needs, while saving taxpayers' money at the same time."

This bill is a result of a hearing the Senate Local Government and Urban Affairs & Housing Committees held earlier this year on "Multi-Municipal Planning and Shared Services," said Sen. Pippy, Chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee.

"We have heard a number of recommendations to make government more efficient," said Sen. Pippy.  "Now, we need to move beyond reports and identify commonsense approaches, such as this legislation, to move forward."

SB 1496 has the support of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners, and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

Contact:
Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063 -- Sen. Regola
Greg Mahon (717) 787-5839 -- Sen. Pippy