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Scarnati Comes Full-Force to Support Property RightsWARREN- State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th district strongly opposes a recent United States Supreme Court decision, which in effect inhibits the rights of private property owners across the Commonwealth. Acting in his capacity as Majority Deputy Whip, Scarnati is working with his colleagues to remedy this decision. "The Supreme Court has now stated that state legislatures have the authority to provide increased protection to property owners than what the court is willing to provide Scarnati stated. "The abuse of eminent domain can not and will not be tolerated in the state of Pennsylvania, thus we our taking appropriate legislative action to further ensure the rights of property owners." This decision comes after criticism of the Supreme Court ruling, which gives government the right to seize personal property in order to make room for private development projects. In the case, Kelo v. City of New London, the court allowed the city of New London, Connecticut to take over a working-class neighborhood to construct a riverfront hotel and office. "Clearly there is specific need for economic development in our rural areas, but it must not come at the expense of violating our fundamental right to own property," Scarnati explained. "As legislators it is paramount that we recognize what is inherently authentic with our constituencies, which in this case is our Fifth Amendment right to own property." Therefore, Scarnati is proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 881, 'The Property Rights Protection Act.' The bill is being unveiled to address the court's decision as to whether municipalities can seize an individual's property and transfer it to private developers. Specifically, this legislation prevents the use of eminent domain for private business use, as well as, further defines, reforms and tightens the definition of blight when the case of eminent domain arises. "To me, this is a matter of protecting our rights as Americans to live the dream of having our own property and owning our homes," Scarnati said. "We cannot simply redefine the basis of our constitutional rights just to satisfy an action that may or may not be beneficial to our communities. Actions such as eminent domain must be limited and certainly well defined by law." Scarnati is known for being active in protecting the rights of property owners and was recognized in 2002 by the Pennsylvania Landowners' Association as "Legislator of the Year."
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