FERLO ANNOUNCES UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF VISITABILITY BILL

          HARRISBURG, October 18 – State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) announced today that his legislation, to encourage forward-thinking visitability home improvements by way of a tax credit, had passed the Legislature unanimously.

          “I would like to thank the leadership in the Senate and House and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their unanimous support in moving the bill to the Governor’s desk,” Ferlo said. “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 who hope to age in their own homes.”

          Senator Ferlo sponsored Senate Bill 1158 with Senator James J. Rhoades (R-Schuylkill) as local enabling legislation.  The intent of the bill is to make the option available to local municipalities that can determine whether or not to incentivize residential improvements for accessibility, by granting a tax credit.

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

          As a City of Pittsburgh Councilman, Senator 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.