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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Reflecting on the first 100 days It is hard to believe that I have been serving as state Senator for the 36th District for 100 days already. I have enjoyed working with you in the district and with my new colleagues in Harrisburg, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of our accomplishments to date. Amending the EMS tax In 2004, a new law changed the Occupational Privilege Tax to an Emergency and Municipal Services Tax and increased the maximum rate from $10 to $52 per year. Each municipality could also choose to exempt anyone who earns less than $12,000 annually. The tax is paid by anyone who works in that municipality whether or not they actually reside there as well. Since then, many people have shared their concerns that this tax should be withheld in increments, rather than in one large amount, and that municipalities should be required to set an income threshold. Although the General Assembly approved legislation addressing these issues last year, it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Rendell. This year, the state Senate took swift action again to implement those changes. Senate Bill 218, which changes the name of the tax to the Local Services Tax, requires municipalities to withhold this tax on a payroll-period basis with a maximum deduction of $1 per week, and in addition, requires that anyone earning less than $12,000 be exempted. Updating Pennsylvanias ticket resale law Senate Bill 86, which was approved by the Senate in March, amends Pennsylvania's ticket resale law with the intent of creating a safe, legal and more open system in which to buy and sell tickets. Currently, state law forbids the resale of tickets to sporting events, concerts and other activities for above face value unless they have a resellers license. In addition, tickets cannot be resold for more than 25 percent of their face value, or $5, whichever is greater. Under Senate Bill 86, though, individuals would be permitted to resell their tickets through an Internet-based reseller such as TicketMaster or eBay; such a reseller must meet certain physical presence requirements and provide a consumer guarantee and refund in the case that the ticket is invalid or the event is cancelled. Improving agency accountability Recently, my colleagues and I took steps to provide for Senate confirmation of the Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), who is responsible for coordinating the states response to natural and manmade disasters, terrorist attacks, and threats to public health and safety. Following the snowstorm that affected our Commonwealth in February, it became clear that there were significant communication gaps among state and local agencies and a lack of coordination in the state's response. Senate Bill 637 demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvania is prepared for any future emergencies by increasing accountability and keeping the legislature informed about the policies and practices of PEMA. Looking to the future At the moment, none of these bills is actually a new law; they must still be approved by the state House of Representatives and then signed by the Governor. I am optimistic, though, about the work we have been able to accomplish and I intend to continue working hard on your behalf. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my offices at 738-1600 (district) or 787-4420 (Harrisburg).
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