HARRISBURG (June 14, 2022) The Senate has given its unanimous approval to Senator Michele Brooks’ legislation to continue providing a lifeline to local veterans’ organizations, fire departments and other service clubs.
Sen. Brooks’ 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 Brooks’ legislation will extend this allowance until December 31, 2022, in order to give these vital service organizations additional time to recover from the pandemic and to remain an integral part of our communities.
“Throughout the year, I have heard from many veterans’ clubs, fire departments, and other service organizations in the 50th Senatorial District, including our American Legions, VFWs, and Moose Lodges, who are still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brooks said. “Many of these clubs 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 are major contributors to so many life-affirming charities in our communities, and they need and deserve our help now.”
The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for their consideration.
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