HB 5885, which would extend for two years the present rates of the municipal real estate conveyance tax, is in real trouble and may not pass before the end of the General Assembly session Wednesday.

As explained in yesterday's Legislative Update, extension of the tax has gotten caught up in budget politics between legislative Democrats and Republicans. Democrats do not want to vote on the Republicans' alternative to the second year of the biennial budget - and Republicans will offer their budget amendment on any budget related bill. Because the Conveyance Tax has budget implications, Democratic leaders won't run it unless Republicans promise not to offer their budget as an amendment.

If this continues through Tuesday, passage of the extension during this session is in serious doubt.

YOUR ACTION NEEDED NOW

Call your legislators, both Senate and House - this morning. Leave a message if you can't get through.

• If they are Democrats: Tell them to press their leaders to run the Real Estate Conveyance tax extension whether or not the Republicans will offer their amendment.
• If they are Republicans: Tell them to press their leaders to not offer their budget amendment on the bill affecting the real estate conveyance tax... but be aware that most legislative Republicans oppose extension of the present rates.
• Tell both: That $40 million in municipal revenue is too important to be a pawn in political gamesmanship. Tell them what will happen in your municipality if the present rates of the tax are not extended.

For more information, please contact Gian-Carl Casa (203) 804-6901 or Jim Finley (203) 804-6895.