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dingurth1 t1_ixoi5ys wrote

Reply to comment by MonValley_Dude in I am the Executive State Committee Member for the 45th Senatorial District (D) AMA by MonValley_Dude

Thank you for such a detailed answer to #1.

I should have been more clear on #2. What are the locality/state plans to supplement the federal infrastructure spending since it alone isn't enough to meet PA's needs? Where is the federal money going to be prioritized locally?

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MonValley_Dude OP t1_ixokt0k wrote

  1. Happy to provide that info!
  2. It is likely going to depend on what the general budget looks in Harrisburg as well as the amount of grant funding we are able to take back from the Washington in 2023 and beyond. My concern is that smaller areas in my district such as Wall or Wilmerding are not getting the type of relief that they need. Also, because we have two new congressional leaders representing us, Lee & Deluzio, they may get less resources allocated due to their lack of seniority in Washington. I can honestly say that even though, I cannot write a bill to the general assembly, this has been the biggest issue that I have sought to address because smaller towns like the ones in my district have such a small and shrinking tax base. One good new law that I have seen is Act 152 which was enacted by county council which has created a special fund local townships can apply for to raze blighted buildings. Even then, the pot is fairly small from this Act, as its funding mechanism is from a flat $500 tax onto every sale of real property in the county to raze these blighted buildings. Because my position as a committee member is to support candidates, I am taking a close look at the candidates running for Summer Lee's vacant house seat as well as Austin Davis', and Tony Deluca's as they all are at least in part of the 45th District. As I will want to make sure that the focus is on addressing this issue, making sure that our funding streams stay open, and do this the best ability that we can without having to raise additional local taxes.
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dingurth1 t1_ixsicm6 wrote

Maybe if we fined the industries enough to hurt them, we could send that money to the communities ;)

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