Robbins Reintroduces Bill to Strengthen Center for Local Government Services

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) has reintroduced legislation that would enhance the status of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Center for Local Government Services and ultimately provide municipalities with a greater voice in state government matters.

In 1996, Senator Robbins, then the chair of the Local Government Committee, shepherded through the legislative process the consolidation of the Department of Community Affairs with the Department of Commerce. At the insistence of Senator Robbins, the Center for Local Government was established within the new Department of Community and Economic Development, to ensure that local officials had a place within state government to address their needs.

"As the one-stop shop for Pennsylvania's local governments, the Center for Local Government Services provides a full range of technical and financial assistance," said Robbins. "Citizens look to local governments as the closest, most accessible form of government. Since its inception, the staff of the Center for Local Government Services have been performing admirable work in providing information and guidance on a host of questions and problems brought to them by local governments."

Senate Bill 261 would elevate the position of the Center's Executive Director to Deputy Secretary status, thus providing local governments with a larger voice in state government matters.

Robbins said passage of Senate Bill 261 would secure the future of the agency even as governors and legislators change. "I believe it is important that this successful agency be provided with the recognition it deserves to ensure that it continues a lead role in providing services to local governments," said Robbins.

Senate Bill 261 is identical to Senate Bill 230 that was overwhelmingly passed by the Senate in 2003. Unfortunately, the House did not consider the bill prior to the end of the 2003-04 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 261 has been referred to the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee for its consideration.

CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322