PRESERVATION ACTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
 



LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
VOLUME 22, NUMBER 30
SEPTEMBER 06, 2019

Congress Returns Next Week, Faces Looming Spending Deadline

Congress returns from the August Recess next week and will have only 3 weeks before the end of the fiscal year on September 30th and the potential for another government shutdown. The House announced they plan to pass a Continuing Resolution before the end of the month. This would avoid a government shutdown and continue current funding levels for historic preservation priorities, like the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The proposed CR would likely run until late November or early December.

Meanwhile, the Senate plans to advance as many FY20 spending bills as possible. The  Senate opted to delay their appropriations process until a deal on top line budget numbers could be reached with the Administration, which happened just before the August Recess. Next week they are expected to markup a package of 4 appropriations bills, including Defense, Labor HHS-Education, Energy and Water and State Operations. We're expecting quick action from the Senate over the next 3 weeks, including on their FY20 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill, which funds program like the HPF. Even if the Senate can pass all 12 spending bills by the end of the month, the differences between the House and Senate bills would still need to be reconciled, increasing the likelihood of a CR. 

Earlier this year, the House passed  FY20 Interior Appropriations Bill  included a record-level $121.66 million for the Historic Preservation Fund. Preservation Action submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee to push for similar increases for the HPF in the Senate bill. Stay tuned to Preservation Action for the latest.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Seeks Feedback From the Preservation Community on Innovation and Challenges

Our partners at the National Trust for Historic Preservation are interested in gaining an understanding from stakeholders across the preservation field of their core values, the challenges they are currently facing, and the work in which they are currently engaged. This information will help the Trust to better understand the opportunities that are available for meaningful collaboration.
 
To this end, we would greatly appreciate your taking a brief 10-15 minute survey to provide your thoughts on innovations and challenges by Wednesday, September 18th. They will be sharing the trends that emerge with respondents later this fall.
 
Click  here or go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6XPL5V5 in your web browser to submit your feedback today!
First Recipients of Illinois' State Historic Tax Credit Program Announced

The first round of recipients for Illinois' recently established state historic tax credit program were announced last week. The first round provides $9.75 million in historic tax credits, supporting 4 rehabilitation projects across the state. The recipients include the Cook County Hospital Administration building in Chicago and the Hotel Bellville in Belleville, IL. Both of these projects were once named to Landmark Illinois' List of the Most Endangered Historic Places, but thanks in part to historic tax credits, these community landmarks are getting a new life.

Illinois Governor, Bruce Rauner, signed the legislation into law establishing a statewide historic tax credit program in July of last year. The program includes a 25% tax credit that is capped at $15 million annually and $3 million per project. The bill received nearly unanimous support in the state legislature. Organizations like Landmarks Illinois and the Illinois chapter of the American Institute of Architects were at the forefront in successfully advocating for the statewide historic tax credit program. The 2nd round of funding will be announced in Springfield on September 25th. Check out the announcement from Landmarks Illinois to learn more.
Preservation Action Foundation's Annual Auction Returns on October 10th. Get Your Tickets Today


Join us in the Gallery of Denver's Union Station for Preservation Action Foundation's Legendary Party and Live Auction on October 10th, immediately following the opening reception of PastForward 2019. The annual auction has long been a highlight for the Preservation Action Foundation and of the National Preservation Conference. 

Built in 1881, Union Station is a landmark of the Bonanza Years of Railroads in Colorado. Sip complimentary wine, Colorado beers, and specialty cocktails while enjoying a Southwest-style buffet. Greet old preservation friends and meet new ones at the reception preceding the Preservation Action Foundation's legendary live auction.

Space is limited.



This is our largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event are used to assist the education and training, advocacy, and programs of the Preservation Action Foundation.

Donate an Auction Item

Help support the auction, donate an auction item today.  We are currently seeking donations like hotel stays, tours of historic sites, tickets to special events and conferences, and other unique experiences. This is a great way to highlight your organization and your city/state to an active and interested group of people. Interested in donating an auction item? Check out our Auction donation packet for more information!


Preservation Action
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #313
Washington, DC 20006
p. 202-463-0970


Preservation Action is the only national  non-profit dedicated exclusively to lobbying for the best preservation policies at the federal level. We seek to make historic preservation a national priority by advocating to all branches of government through a grassroots constituency empowered with information and training.