The LuLac Edition #4,546, June 30th, 2021

 

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our “Write On Wednesday” logo.

This Sunday is the Fourth of July and for the past week or so fireworks have been going off. With the Pandemic seemingly waving a surrender flag,  neighborhoods might be more inclined to make some noise. However, the Times Shamrock Editorial Board gave its opinion on fireworks and moderation.

MORE CONTROL NEEDED OVER FIREWORK USE

Summer is here, and so are fireworks and, inevitably, complaints about their misuse in neighborhoods across the commonwealth.

Ever since the Legislature passed a law in 2017 that ended the state’s absurdly restrictive and convoluted rules covering consumer fireworks, many local governments statewide have complained that the new regime might not be restrictive enough.

As often is the case, lawmakers were motivated at least as much by revenue prospects as by a desire for simple, straightforward state policy. They imposed a 12% tax on consumer fireworks sales on top of the standard 6% sales tax. So far in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, the 12% tax has generated about $7.5 million.

The price for the state revenue largely is paid at the local level, where people live. Scranton police received about 200 fireworks complaints over the July 4 weekend in 2020. Philadelphia alone recorded 8,500 fireworks complaints between June 2019 and June 2020. Pittsburgh and York have established special police units to deal with fireworks complaints.

Public safety also is an issue. U.S. hospitals treated more than 10,000 fireworks injuries last year, about 75% on and around Independence Day. Friday, a man in Centre County suffered serious injuries when year-old fireworks exploded in his car. And a year ago, a Scranton man died in a firework mishap.

It’s pretty clear that the state government needs to give local governments greater authority over fireworks use.

State Rep. Robert Freeman, a Northampton County Democrat, has introduced a bill to do so.

It would allow governments to establish restrictions on fireworks use as long as they do not conflict with state law. And it would amend the state law to limit fireworks to between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with exceptions for major holidays including New Year’s Eve and July 4.

The state law already precludes fireworks within 150 feet of structures.

It also would establish fines for violations that would increase for multiple offenses.

To help protect neighborhoods and promote safety, the Legislature should approve the changes.