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For Immediate
Release
2/23/11
Brubaker Legislation Would Dedicate Funding to
Food Banks
HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) re-introduced legislation today that
would dedicate existing state tax credits to regional food banks.
Senate Bill 634 would require the Department of Community and Economic
Development to give special consideration to food banks when considering
applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). The NAP program
offers tax credits to serve as incentives for businesses to contribute to worthy
causes in the community, such as food banks, affordable housing, crime
prevention, education and job training.
"The Neighborhood Assistance Program provides essential funding to ensure
that food banks can continue to help those in need," said Brubaker, who
co-chairs the legislative Hunger Caucus. "The recession has drastically
increased demand for services at food banks throughout the state, so it is
important to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to continue
serving our communities."
Recent revisions to NAP have made it increasingly difficult for
Pennsylvania's food banks to compete for funding. NAP tax credits allocated to
Pennsylvania food banks dropped from $4.2 million in 2008-09 to $2.8 million in
2009-10. Brubaker's legislation would ensure that the incentive for businesses
to offer substantial donations of food and funds under NAP will continue.
"Tax credits from the Neighborhood Assistance Program provide the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank with an essential tool to urge food donors to provide us
with quality donations," said Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director
Kendall Hannah. "We have seen a dramatic increase in need in the state of
Pennsylvania over the past few years, coupled with a downward trend in corporate
food donations. NAP tax credits are a cornerstone of our ability to meet that
demand with nutritious food vital for families struggling with hunger in our
communities."
Contact:
Kristin
Crawford
(717) 787-4420
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