Alan Simpson: “let me express my support for the legislation yesterday which was offered by our most able ranking member on the…”

“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.”