PROP's 2005 Legislative Day was held on Tuesday May 11th in Harrisburg and participants talked at length to more than five dozen legislators or aids. It was a hectic day at the Capitol with a number of school groups touring the complex and a number of other organizations holding similar legislative events. But despite the big crowd and corridor congestion, PROP members and staff were able to see almost all of the key legislators in leadership. Though the House went into session later in the morning, most attendees also got to visit with their own local representatives and senators.
Participants and PROP staff also distributed recycled PET lunch bags containing snacks packaged in recycled content containers and compost grown products to the entire General Assembly. A special thanks go to several of our members who contributed to the effort, Just Born Candies, Weisenbach Promotions, Snyders of Berlin and the Blair County Recycling Office. We also received donations from Hinish Orchards of Roaring Spring, the Bellwood Hometown Market and Brian's Bakery of Hollidaysburg.
Deputy Secretary Gives DEP Perspective
Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary Tom Fidler addressed the group in the morning, summarizing DEP's concerns and priorities regarding both funding of the recycling program and the county administrative fees recently challenged in court. The deputy secretary noted the administration's support for reauthorization of the Recycling Fee and removal of the sunset on the fee to eliminate the uncertainty that currently surrounds their funding planning. He also noted that the Department had petitioned the court to be an intervening party in the administrative fee case in north central Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, their petition to intervene and become an active participant in the appeal to the recent decision was denied. In response to the denial, DEP intends to file a "friend of the court" brief to express their concerns as the appeal process continues.
So What Did We Learn From the Legislature?
The most noteworthy thing we learned at our Legislative Day is that most legislators had no inkling that the Recycling Fund in general, and the Section 902 grants in particular, were in such distress. That means that those of you unable to attend must talk with your legislators as soon as possible to convey this especially. Our conversations also brought good news and bad news.
The good news is:
Legislators are supportive of recycling.
They generally understand that the grant programs have brought a great return on the Commonwealth's investment.
The overwhelming majority support reauthorization of the Recycling Fee.
Many, especially in the House, would be in favor of removing the sunset on the fee when they reauthorize it.
Most legislators are also concerned that the recent court case challenging county administrative fees could seriously undermine county programs and funding for staff and special collection efforts.
But on the other hand:
Many legislators still do not realize that the fund or the 902 program is struggling.
Some legislators have suggested taking the $2 Recycling Fee and throwing it into the pot for the repayment of the $625 million environmental bond issue that seems likely to pass during the May 17th primary election.
Even if they leave the Recycling Fee alone, it seems unlikely that recycling will get the $25 million from the environmental bond funds as was originally proposed by Governor Rendell. We are still encouraging leadership to consider some repayment to the Recycling Fund but the list of environmental programs to be funded by the bond is a long one. Recycling is one of many initiatives that fell off the list when the bond shrunk in size.
More fiscally conservative legislators are opposed to removal of the sunset date on the Recycling Fee. They believe that a sunset makes programs more accountable and forces the legislature to re-evaluate programs periodically.
What Else Have We Learned?
Though the waste industry remains steadfastly opposed to the county administrative fees, they remain very supportive of reauthorization of the Recycling Fee. It appears that the industry believes that the fee directly benefits both the industry and their public sector partners in local and county government. When talking to legislators, you would be well served to point out this support.
Our local government organizations also remain supportive of reauthorization. But don't hesitate to have your elected officials reinforce their concerns whenever corresponding with their statewide association. It won't be as high a priority on their legislative agenda unless the members speak up.
You Can Still Help
If you couldn't attend our Legislative Day, you can still help. Call your legislators' home offices in the near future and ask to talk to the senator or representative directly. If you miss them, leave a message and see if the legislator will call you back. You might also follow-up with a written note. Let them know that you could not make it to PROP's Recycling Legislative Day but wanted to call and express your concern over the continued funding struggles being experienced by recycling programs throughout the state.
Emphasize the importance of reauthorization, how worthwhile it would be.
Let them know reauthorization needs to happen sooner rather than later.
Tell them that Recycling Fund cannot afford to have the fee or fund diverted to help pay the bond that is likely to pass during the primary election.
If the administrative fee ruling impacts your county, let your legislators know that you would prefer legislative authorization for a fee.
The effectiveness of your call or note will be enhanced if you do it soon. You can find out all the contact information for your legislators on PROP's Capwiz webpage.
For more information about PROP's Legislative Day and related resources click here.
