The House of Representatives recently advanced legislation that would rebrand a state program that provides planning assistance to local governments in an effort to increase use of the program.
The Early Intervention Program is a program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that assists local governments in creating comprehensive multi-year financial plans and establishing short-term and long-term financial objectives.
The bill, House Bill 275, to rebrand the program is sponsored by Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) and Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia).
Rep. Mehaffie said that the current name of the program is misleading.
“The name ‘early intervention’ implies fiscal distress, but the program is really a helpful strategic management tool for any municipality, not solely those experiencing financial difficulties,” Rep. Mehaffie said. “We want more local officials to proactively take advantage of this great program so they can implement strategic plans and AVOID fiscal distress.”
The bill would change the name of the program to the “Strategic Management Planning Program.”
It now awaits consideration by the state Senate.