[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 40 (Thursday, April 14, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam President, two or three items, and when the 
majority leader is desirous of concluding the day's activity, I would 
appreciate being advised because his schedule is important. But as we 
wait in the interim for further activity that must be concluded before 
the end of the day, let me express my support for the legislation 
yesterday which was offered by our most able ranking member on the 
Appropriations Committee, Senator Hatfield, with regard to payment in 
lieu of taxes. That may seem rather arcane to many people, but it is 
very critically important to Western States, and particularly to my 
State of Wyoming.
  There has not been an increase in these PILT payments--and we call it 
PILT, payment in lieu of taxes--to the States in over 10 years, even 
though costs of providing these needed services by county and municipal 
governments have risen constantly.
  This is not some giveaway, Madam President. The PILT Program 
represents nothing more than fair compensation to State and local 
governments, and the Federal Government is getting a very good deal. 
Local government revenues have plummeted, often as a direct result of 
some action by the Federal Government. Wyoming, for example, funds its 
schools and infrastructure from property taxes and royalty receipts, 
and PILT payments are a form of property taxes. Wyoming property taxes 
have increased. Many small towns and cities in these past years have 
approved property tax increases, and those tax increases have been 
levied against all property owners except the Federal Government. It is 
time the Federal Government ponied up a fair share, as well.
  These Federal land management policies and our country's reliance on 
imported fuels have caused painful reductions in the amount of 
royalties received by the States and by the State of Wyoming. These 
reductions in royalties, combined with the fact that the PILT payments 
have not kept up, have caused severe financial hardship to our 
counties.
  Senator Hatfield's legislation will ease that hardship somewhat. It 
is very needed; it is very fair; and it was approved here. We are very 
pleased that it passed the Senate. We look forward to its enactment 
into law after conference committee and other activity.

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