On the recordAugust 6, 2022
across the Nation, local governments are struggling to support their constituents. These frontline public servants provide for the safety and well-being of their friends and neighbors, typically using funds derived from local property taxes. However, in many counties, these Federal neighbors of sorts don't pay property taxes, but they draw heavily on the resources made available by these local governments. Rescuing hikers, paving roads, addressing forest fires--these are just a few of the vital services that these communities honorably provide even though they receive little to no compensation for them. My amendment would institute a supplemental PILT Program--payment in lieu of taxes--an additional PILT payment increasing funds by nearly 10 percent. It would not make these communities completely whole by providing true tax equivalency, but it would make a huge difference. If Americans want to continue to safely enjoy our national parks, monuments, forests, and general landscape, we must ensure this program, PILT, continues to serve as a reliable source of income as property taxes would were Federal lands subject to property tax. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.
