Philadelphia Sales Tax Legislation Tramples on Rights of Police Officers, Families...

Philadelphia Sales Tax Legislation Tramples on Rights of Police Officers,
Families Statewide

State FOP calls on state House members to reject 'disgraceful' House Bill 1828

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- Fraternal Order of
Police, Pennsylvania State Lodge President Les Neri today said if passed,
House Bill 1828 -- a bill originally designed to increase the sales tax in
Philadelphia by 1 percent -- will put the financial future of thousands of
police officers and their families in jeopardy.

The legislation was amended to include a provision that strips local control
from pensions that are less than 50 percent funded. Supporters are calling
the amendment "pension reform," but what it actually does is allow existing
plans to be slashed while turning control of these plans over to the
Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System. The bill has been approved in the
state Senate and now awaits action in the state House.

"This legislation is a disgrace and a shameful thing to do to hardworking
police officers and their families," Neri said. "A Philadelphia sales tax and
the pensions of thousands of police officers have nothing in common and should
never be considered in the same piece of legislation. Yet, it is being rammed
through the legislature in record time.

"The state FOP, its 41,000 members and their families call on all members of
the state House to ensure that common sense prevails by stopping this
legislation in its current form. Increasing the Philadelphia sales tax should
be considered separately without putting the financial future of thousands of
police officers at risk."

Some police departments that may be immediately affected by this legislation
include:
-- Scranton, Lackawanna County
-- Johnstown, Cambria County
-- Clifton Heights, Delaware County
-- Bethel Township, Berks County
-- Hanover Township, Washington County
-- Philadelphia

-- Pittsburgh

About the FOP
The Fraternal Order of Police was founded in Pittsburgh in 1915 by two city
patrol officers, beginning the tradition of police officers representing
police officers. Today the Pennsylvania Lodge has 41,000 active and retired
members, and the Lodge is engaged in a broad range of activities. Charitable
activities include Easter Seals and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the
Special Olympics. Visit www.pafop.org.

SOURCE Fraternal Order of Police

David La Torre for Fraternal Order of Police, +1-717-608-6337,
david@latorrecommunications.com