The Rundown: Property tax relief for veterans organizations sought

A bill that would benefit veterans organizations was introduced Wednesday and moved quickly to the Senate Finance Committee on the same day.

Senate Bill 1229 would give a tax exemption from all county, city, borough, town, township, road and school real estate taxes to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The exemption includes social halls and grounds owned and occupied by the organizations that are used on a regular basis for activities that contribute to the support of the organizations. The bill was introduced by Sen. Michele Brooks of Crawford County.

Property from which income or revenue is derived would remain taxes, other than from recipients of the bounty of the institution or charity, shall be subject to taxation, except where exempted by law for state purposes.

The proposal is worth watching because it is moving quickly.

school Sleep study PROPOSED iN SENATE

State lawmakers may hit the snooze button for sleepy students who arrive at school before their body clocks are ready.

A state resolution introduced last week calls for the Joint State Government Commission to do a study on secondary school start times. The measure was co-sponsored by state Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., a Montgomery County Republican whose district includes part of Berks County.

A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 60 percent of children under 18 are tired during the day and that 15 percent said they fell asleep at school, the proposed resolution says.

A study by the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement found that performance on achievement tests, attendance rates and reduced tardiness significantly improved with school start times of 8:35 a.m. or later.

The commission would have to issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later than 18 months from the adoption of the resolution. The measure was referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Committee mulls LANDSLIDE insurance

The state Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss flooding-caused landslides on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Millvale Community Center, near Pittsburgh.

Senate Bill 1131, which would create an insurance fund for landslides caused by flooding, is on the agenda. The bill is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jay Costa of Allegheny County and co-sponsored by Sens. Judy Schwank, a Ruscombmanor Township Democrat, and Rafferty, both of whom represent parts of Berks County.

Landslide and slope movements have damaged homes and roadways in Pennsylvania, causing an estimated $4 million in damage per year, Costa said in a memo on his bill.

There are insurance programs for landslides caused by mining practices and mudslides, but other types of landslides most often are not covered by insurance.

The proposed bill would establish the Pennsylvania Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. It would be administered by the Landslide Insurance and Assistance Board using the Landslide Insurance Fund and the Landslide Assistance Fund. The Landslide Assistance Fund and the Landslide Insurance Fund each would receive an initial appropriation of $2.5 million.

ELECTION DATES

The campaign season is officially in high gear as candidates push through the final seven weeks, raising money, knocking on doors and giving speeches to anyone who will listen.

As of today, the general election is just 50 days away.

Here are some dates voters should keep in mind:

Sept. 17: First day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot.

Oct. 9: Last day to register to vote before the November election.

Oct. 30: Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot.

Nov. 2: Last day for county boards of elections to receive voted civilian absentee ballots.

Nov. 6: General election.

Nov. 13: Last day for county boards of elections to receive voted military and overseas absentee ballots, submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 p.m. Nov. 5.