PSATS Update: Week 3 (March 15th – March 22nd, 2024)
This is a compilation of news updates relevant to townships in Pennsylvania, posted between March 15 and March 22, 2024. Here’s a summary by category:
Legislation
- Transparency in Mandated Advertising Act: PSATS applauds efforts by Senators Aument and Phillips-Hill to introduce legislation requiring newspapers to disclose the cost incurred by local governments due to mandatory legal advertising. This would increase transparency for residents and allow townships to explore alternative advertising options. (March 15th, March 18th)
- Coalition Urges Housing Reform: A coalition is urging the state legislature to pass laws that would preempt local land-use authority in favor of statewide zoning standards. PSATS opposes these efforts and encourages townships to advocate for their right to plan and regulate land use. (March 20th)
DEP Permits
- Shapiro Administration Claims Backlog Reduced: The Shapiro Administration touts a 41% reduction in the DEP permit backlog as of March 1, 2024. PSATS is seeking feedback from townships on their experiences with the DEP permitting process. (March 19th)
Other News
- PSATS Seeks Applicants for Annual Youth Camp: The Pennsylvania State Police is accepting applications for its annual youth camp for teenagers interested in law enforcement or the military careers. (March 18th)
How to Get Involved
- PSATS encourages townships to contact their state senators to co-sponsor the “Transparency in Mandated Advertising Act.” (March 18th)
- PSATS wants to hear from townships about their experiences with the DEP permitting process. Contact Brian Rengert at brengert@psats.org or 717-763-0930 ext. 127. (March 19th)
- PSATS encourages townships to start a dialogue with their state representatives and senators on proposed housing reform legislation. (March 20th)
Additional Resources
- PSATS’ policy on growth and development: PSATS policy(March 20th)