Luzerne Times

Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened the second hearing in a series to discuss the House Republican tax cut bill (House Bill 2388). The bill aims to return $3 billion to Pennsylvania residents 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, titled “Historic Tax Cuts,” featured testimonies from Andrew Holman, policy analyst at the Commonwealth Foundation; Nicarol Soto, a local parent; and Hon. Mary Labert, councilwoman of McAdoo Borough Council.

Pennsylvania's economy is facing challenges such as an aging population without incentives to retain young workers, businesses relocating to states with more favorable tax environments, and start-ups deterred by what has been termed the “start-up penalty.” Inflation has further exacerbated these issues, making essentials like groceries, gas, and electricity unaffordable for many. Despite these challenges, Governor Josh Shapiro has been criticized for spending taxpayer money without restraint instead of returning it to Pennsylvanians.

“My heart hurts to hear about senior citizens unable to pay for medications and parents unable to afford their children’s extracurricular activities,” said Watro. “That’s why it was important for me to host a hearing on historic tax cuts. House Bill 2388 is critically important to today’s economy. Let’s not make this political. Let’s do the right thing and get it done.”

“There are two visions playing out in Harrisburg right now. In one, Harrisburg spends your money. In the second, Harrisburg gives money back to you so you can choose wisely what you do with your own resources,” said Kail. “House Republicans are fighting to get money back in your pocket because you know how to spend your own money better than Harrisburg does. I am hopeful that we’re going to get this bill across the finish line and offer relief to the citizens of Pennsylvania.”

To watch the complete hearing or previous hearings from June 11 or June 18, visit pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.

The next hearings in the “Historic Tax Cuts” series will be held on Thursday, June 20 in Cambria County and Friday, June 21 in Allegheny County.

Representative Dane Watro

116th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Andy Briggs

abriggs@pahousegop.com

repwatro.com