HARRISBURG (June 30, 2022) Senator Michele Brooks’ legislation to continue supporting local veterans’ organizations, fire departments and other service clubs is on its way to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Senate Bill 1159 will extend Act 118 of 2020, which permitted service organizations to use 100% of their Small Games of Chance money to cover their general operating expenses, including rent, payroll and utilities. This extension in Act 118 expired on June 10, 2022, but Senator Brooks’ legislation will extend this allowance until December 31, 2022, in order to give these service organizations additional time to recover from the pandemic and remain a vital part of our communities.
“Many American Legions, VFWs, fire departments, Moose Lodges, and other service organizations are still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brooks said. “Most were forced to close their venues for more than a year, cancel their traditional patriotic ceremonies, and refrain from the fundraisers they traditionally offered, which helped to sustain their operations. The dedicated volunteers and staff who operate these clubs contribute to so many worthwhile charities in our communities, and they need and deserve our help now.”
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives today and now heads to the governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 1159 builds on Brooks’ past success when she served in the House of Representatives in legalizing 50/50s, Chinese auctions (basket raffles), and other fundraising efforts under the Small Games of Chance law, at a time when the state had deemed them illegal. The legalization of these fundraising tools has helped countless local nonprofit organizations, fire departments. sports teams, school booster clubs, and families in need.
CONTACT: Diane McNaughton
(717) 787-1322
dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov