PCPA regrets to inform the membership that Senate leadership staff has notified the association that House Bill 1649 (dedicated alcohol tax initiative) will not be considered before the close of this session. Last minute opposition and competing interests (tourism/the arts) held up the movement of the bill. The short time frame has made it impossible to move through the final stages to enactment this session. Needless to say, PCPA is extremely disappointed. However, the association is proud of how far the bill has come in such a short period of time. PCPA and legislative supporters will return with the bill next session and all look forward to securing funding for these essential drug and alcohol (D&A) services.
Special
Thanks
Special thanks go to PCPA members who have contacted their legislators to
advocate and educate regarding House Bill 1649. The strength of association
membership was clearly demonstrated.
PCPA’s sincerest appreciation also extends to:
- Reps. Katie True (R-Lancaster) and Linda Bebko-Jones (D-Erie), prime sponsors of House Bill 1649. Both hold a deep and long standing commitment to drug and alcohol services which was strongly expressed.
- Rep. George T. Kenney, Jr. (R-Philadelphia), chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee for his support and leadership.
- Sens. Patricia H. Vance (R-Cumberland/York) and Jay Costa, Jr. (D-Allegheny), prime sponsors of Senate Bill 727 (the Senate version of the dedicated alcohol tax legislation), and Jake Corman, Chair of the Public Health and Welfare Committee, who have all demonstrated exceptional leadership.
- Mark Ryan,
chief of staff to Senator Vance, for the hard work, depth of knowledge,
and experience which resulted in major contributions to the advancement
of the initiative.
• Stacy Gromlich, former House Health and Human Services Committee staff, for helping to make this bill a reality. - Members of the Coalition to Save Lives, Families and Communities. The support of the 100 organizations that signed on to the resolution and advocated locally and statewide helped to assure that the initiative got this far.
- Morgan Plant, PCPA lobbyist, for her tireless efforts at the Capitol.
Plans are already underway to secure this legislation next year. PCPA was advised early in the process that it would likely take more than one year to accomplish. The coalition will be broadened and strengthened, new materials will be developed, and legislative advocacy enhanced. The work that has been done will not be lost; it is an outstanding foundation on which to build.
Contact Lynn Cooper, deputy director, or Melissa DiSanto Simmons, director of legislative affairs, at the association with questions or concerns.
