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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2010
CONTACT: Owen Thomas
(717) 787-3076
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Vogel Bill on Community Fundraisers Headed to Governor

SB 828 receives final legislative approval, ready for enactment into law 

Senator Elder Vogel's legislation barring the state from citing community groups for selling home-made baked goods received final legislative approval in the Senate today.

With the Senate's unanimous concurrence on House amendments to Senate Bill 828, the bill now goes to Governor Rendell, who is expected to sign the measure into law.

SB 828, known as the "Pie Bill", will eliminate the ability of the Department of Agriculture to cite non-profit community groups such as volunteer fire companies, churches, and school booster clubs for selling non-hazardous home-baked food at fundraisers. 

"This is especially timely as we enter into the summer fair and carnival season," said Senator Vogel. "I am pleased that my colleagues approved this bill. It's a bi-partisan, common sense piece of legislation and I hope the Governor will quickly sign it into law."

Senator Vogel introduced the bill after the Department of Agriculture cited a local church for selling homemade baked goods prepared by ladies of the church at a Lenten fish fry.

"I believe we should all be concerned about food safety.  However, I also believe that the Commonwealth could make better use of its resources than to pursue volunteers and groups who are working to improve their communities," Senator Vogel said.  "It's time to restore a little common sense to government."