Jun. 11, 2024
HARRISBURG—Today, the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened the first hearing in a series to discuss the House Republican tax cut bill (
House Bill 2388) that would return $3 billion to the people of Pennsylvania by reducing the Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8% and eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on electric bills.
The hearing, “Historic Tax Cuts,” featured testifiers Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) and Nathan Benefield, senior vice president, Commonwealth Foundation. The testifiers commenced by addressing the depressing reality of Pennsylvania’s current economy. Pennsylvania has an aging population without incentives to retain young workers. Businesses are relocating to states with more favorable tax environments, and start-ups are deterred by the “start-up penalty.” Inflation has made everyday essentials, like groceries, gas and electricity, unaffordable for many. Amidst the bleak reality, the governor claims he wants Pennsylvania to compete with other states, but instead of putting money back into the pockets of Pennsylvanians, he is spending taxpayers’ money without restraint.
“We need to get the spending under control,” emphasized Rothman, who championed the bipartisan passage of
Senate Bill 269, the Pennsylvania Senate’s version of House Bill 2388. “Our household incomes and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) hasn’t increased at the same rate as our state budget…The best way to give back to people is a broad-based tax cut.”
Benefield pointed out that Pennsylvania has a reputation for not being competitive on taxes. However, reducing the PIT rate and eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax would send the message that Pennsylvania is open for business, lessen uncertainty for our citizens, and position Pennsylvania as a leader, ripe with opportunity.
To watch the complete hearing, visit
pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.
The next hearings in the “Historic Tax Cuts” series will be held on Monday, June 17 (Luzerne County); Tuesday, June 18 (Montgomery County); Thursday, June 20 (Cambria County); and Friday, June 21 (Allegheny County).
Representative Josh Kail
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
nnilson@pahousegop.com
repkail.com