From: Anthony R. Giancola [mailto:agiancol@naco.org]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:31 PM
Subject: NACE Alert: Support legislation to fund Secure Rural Schools (and Roads) and PILT-Contact Your Senator Now!

 

All: This NACE Alert is requesting your immediate action to contact your Senators regarding the below important legislation.  NACo has provided a summary below which is also outlined on the link you can click on to contact your Senator.

 

Thanks for your assistance in this important matter.

Regards, Tony Giancola

 

 

http://capwiz.com/naco/issues/alert/?alertid=11936156

 

 

 

In a message dated 9/17/2008 10:47:54 AM Central Daylight Time, mfellows@naco.org writes:

Support Legislation to fund SRS and PILT

More Info

Tax extender bill will be voted on soon

 

The Senate will be voting on a compromised tax extender bill introduced by Finance Committee Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA). This bi-partisan legislation is aimed at reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and creating new American jobs by providing credits and incentives to facilitate independent energy solutions. Included in the legislation is language to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for four years. The bill also would provide full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for FY09.

 

This proposal is the product of a bipartisan compromise reached by members of the Senate Finance Committee during the August recess.  The previous proposal failed to obtain the 60 votes required for cloture in June and July by 7 votes. This may be voted upon as early as Thursday, September 18th, so please act now. 

 

If your county receives annual PILT or Secure Rural Schools funding, please contact your Senators and urge them to vote yes on this critical legislation. This may be our last chance this year to secure this funding for these programs.

    Because of the timliness of this vote, we encourage you to call your senator's office directly. All Senate offices can be reached through the Capitol Switchboard, 202/224-3121.

Talking points:

 

·        These funds are critical to county road maintenance budgets and public schools in our county.

 

·        In our county, essential and vital services have been eliminated as a result of the loss of Secure Rural Schools funding. County Commissioners have been forced to balance our 2008-2009 budget by laying off _______ people from their jobs! This has included librarians, police officers, road maintenance workers, health nurses, parks and recreation workers.

 

·        This spring and summer, school teachers and other personnel lost their jobs and essential instruction and program were eliminated. Our schools have been seriously compromised and our children are being denied an education equal to children in urban and suburban America.

 

·        Nationwide the loss of SRSCA funds has resulted in a payroll loss of over $500 million in rural counties. The economic multiplier effect of this loss in the 800 forest counties is estimated to be over $3.5 billion.

 

·        It is not too late in the 2008-2009 fiscal year to restore these jobs and the services they provide. Please act now to support including the multi-year funding of SRS and full funding of PILT for 2009 in the Baucus/Grassley Tax Extender Package.

 

 

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