Ferlo Announces Visitability Tax Credit Becomes Law

PITTSBURGH, October 28, 2006 - State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) today celebrated the enactment of his legislation that would encourage forward-thinking “visitability” home improvements by way of a tax credit.

“I would like to thank Governor Rendell for his leadership in taking one small step in signing this legislation into law and moving Pennsylvania one giant leap toward being a more accessible state,” Ferlo said, surrounded by accessibility activists, home builders, and community housing advocates.

“This is an important piece of legislation that will serve the needs of those with mobility impairments, the future needs of the elderly, and all of us who hope to remain in our home as we age.”

Ferlo sponsored Senate Bill 1158 with Senator James J. Rhoades (R-Schuylkill) as local enabling legislation.  Local municipalities will now be able to offer tax credits to “incentivize” residential improvements for accessibility by granting a tax credit like Pittsburgh did several years ago.

“A diverse coalition of groups advocating this bill deserve praise for their yeoman effort,” Ferlo said.  “The Pennsylvania Builders Association, the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers, UCP Pittsburgh, and Three Rivers Center for Independent Living have done the heavy-lifting toward winning unanimous approval for this measure.”

As a Pittsburgh councilman, Ferlo led the citywide visitability tax credit initiative. It passed City Council shortly after his move to the Senate, only to be held up due to the absence of local enabling legislation at the state level.

“For decades, we’ve built without giving full thought to our future needs or the mobility needs of our neighbors,” Ferlo said. “I applaud the Governor for signing Senate Bill 1158, which truly lays out a “welcome” mat for all Pennsylvanians.”

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