O’Neill Distressed Neighborhoods Assistance Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk
HARRISBURG –Legislation, authored by Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks), which would expand a program that encourages revitalization of distressed neighborhoods is headed to the governor’s desk.
Created in 1967, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is a tax credit program which incentivizes businesses to invest in affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance.
“The NAP is a proven program that has helped bring new businesses, needed services and additional revenue to struggling towns and cities,” O’Neill said. “The end result is more jobs, safer streets and a better quality of life for some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable families.”
O’Neill’s legislation,
House Bill 645, would increase the NAP’s funding from $18 million to $36 million. This would be the first time allocated funding for the program has been increased since its inception.
“A growing number of Pennsylvania communities are seeking to use this program, and I think it’s a worthwhile investment to make,” O’Neill said. “Private-public partnerships like the NAP have contributed significantly to the long-term success of our local and state economies.”
A recent report from the state’s Independent Fiscal Office indicated that in FY2015-16, the NAP’s $17.9 million in tax credits resulted in a total economic impact of $138.1 million.
Included under the NAP umbrella are several other neighborhood assistance programs: the Special Priorities Program, Neighborhood Partnership Program, Charitable Food Program and the Enterprise Zone Program. House Bill 645 would make additional funding available to distribute to all programs that fall under the NAP.
The NAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Representative Bernie O’Neill
29th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepONeill.com