Pennsylvania

Fight Between Cities, Nonprofits Flares in Pennsylvania Senate

Republican efforts to put Pennsylvania state lawmakers back in control of granting tax-exempt status to charities is meeting more resistance.

The Senate's scheduled vote Wednesday fizzled after some Republicans requested a hearing first and Democrats signaled they would all oppose the bill. A hearing could happen next week.

The delay came amid a flurry of lobbying against it by public-sector labor unions and local government officials. The charities include hospitals, social service providers, universities and houses of worship.

The bill is a resolution to change the constitution. It was spurred by a 2012 state Supreme Court ruling that put the courts, not lawmakers, in charge of granting tax-exempt status. It was viewed as favorable toward municipalities.

Democrats say they prefer first to write new rules to protect cash-strapped municipalities.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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