ABC27 WHTM Piccola bill would allow state takeover of cities under Act 47

Piccola bill would allow state takeover of cities under Act 47

A Pennsylvania lawmaker has introduced legislation to allow a state takeover of financially distressed cities that fail to adopt the plans of an Act 47 coordinator.

Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-Dauphin/York, said his measure was in response to the long-awaited Act 47 plan for the City of Harrisburg.

Piccola's legislation, Senate Bill 1151, would establish a management board of three members - two appointed by the governor and one appointed by county commissioners - who would work to implement the coordinator's plan.

The legislation would prohibit the city from filing for bankruptcy.

Piccola said in a news release that virtually every elected Harrisburg official "has taken an irresponsible position concerning the city's fiscal mess."

"Certain elected officials lack the courage to be leaders in this crisis," he said. "Therefore, I am given no choice but to exercise leadership and responsibility on behalf of my constituency, not only in Harrisburg but throughout the region."