The initiative aims to cut costs for families across the Commonwealth.
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania state House Republicans launched a “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative this week to deliver tax relief and reduce costs for residents of the Commonwealth.
The initiative includes a package of six-month tax cuts and sales tax holidays to provide financial relief for working families in Pennsylvania.
“Our goal is simple: Make Pennsylvania a place where families can afford to live, work and build their future. When people can keep more of what they earn and the cost of everyday life is within reach, they have the freedom to make their own choices about their future. That’s what this effort is about – achieving freedom through affordability for people across the Commonwealth,” said Republican Representative David Rowe, Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee announcing the initiative.
Representative Rowe is proposing legislation that would reduce the state Personal Income Tax rate from 3.07% to 2.99% for six months.
“This would immediately leave the residents of Pennsylvania with more money in their paychecks to put towards bills, back-to-school supplies, child care, groceries, or just a much-needed family vacation,” said Rowe in his co-sponsorship memo on the proposal.
In addition to Rowe’s proposal, Representatives Kristin Marcell and Eric Davanzo are cosponsoring legislation that would suspend the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity and telecommunications for six months.
“Everywhere I go in my community, people are looking for a break from rising costs, especially on the basics of life. This temporary tax holiday is a commonsense way to give them that break, save them some money and help make life just a little easier,” said Representative Marcell.
Representative Davanzo noted that “energy costs are making [Pennsylvanians’] day-to-day unaffordable. Right here and now, we can give families a little bit of breathing room and help them stretch their budgets a little bit further.”
Another piece of the initiative focuses on transportation, with Representative Abby Major introducing legislation to suspend the state’s gas tax for six months. She said that her proposal “will provide temporary relief to make it easier to balance a family’s budget. I urge immediate action so there is more money in the pockets of our hardworking residents.”
The Republican lawmakers also announced proposed sales tax holidays and an “Affordability Starts Here” tour beginning on March 30.
According to the lawmakers, the tour will begin in Hanover for a hearing on reducing the cost of childcare. They plan to expand the tour to focus on other areas of the economy.
