Simpson Cosponsors Legislation to Provide Funding to Counties

Press Release

Congressman Simpson cosponsors legislation that helps counties with masses of federal land make up for lost revenue. H.R. 17, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act and H.R. 790, the PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) and Refuge Revenue Sharing Permanent Funding Act help lessen the gap for those who reside in these areas.

"Many counties in Idaho have the luxury and burden of enormous amounts of federal land," Simpson said. "These counties can't collect taxes from the federal government, yet they are required to provide services like; law enforcement, search and rescue, and road maintenance. It is vital that the federal government steps up to the plate and helps these counties out."

H.R. 17, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, would reauthorize the program that provides an alternative source of education funding for counties with a high percentage of national forests or federal land. "Many rural counties and schools in Idaho depend on the county payments provided through this Act," Simpson said. "It is critical that we reauthorize this program and then ensure that it receives adequate funding."

H.R. 790, PILT and Refuge Revenue Sharing Permanent Funding Act, would make PILT funding automatic in each year's budget to provide greater stability for Idaho counties already strained by the large amount of tax-exempt public land in Idaho.

The PILT program financially compensates local governments for losses to their tax bases due to the presence of federally owned land. "PILT funding must become a greater priority in the U.S. Congress," Simpson said. "I have long believed that the least the federal government can do for Idaho's public lands counties is meet the minimal commitments it has made through the PILT program."

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