Southwest PA News

Pennsylvania House Republicans have called for the immediate passage of a Senate-approved tax cut plan, urging House Democrats to bring it to a vote without amendments or partisan changes. The plan aims to reduce the Personal Income Tax and eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) emphasized that the tax cut would benefit all Pennsylvanians and contrasted it with what he described as the Democrats' approach to state finances.

“While Bidenflation continues to be a problem, we cannot join Democratic leaders in looking at the reserves, the surplus, and the budgetary security we have built up as license to double down on government bloat,” Cutler stated. “If we are to use the surplus money we have now, we call on all lawmakers to join us in recognizing it is not ours to spend to balloon government bureaucracy. We must reject the notion it is fiscally sound to add unsustainable recurring costs onto taxpayers who are already paying more and getting less. We believe this money comes from the taxpayers, and it must be returned to the taxpayers.”

The House version of this tax cut plan will be introduced by Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) and Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), with support from House Republican leadership.

“We are not talking about tax breaks for just a privileged few or for massive corporations. This plan would mean more money in every single paycheck in Pennsylvania and would immediately reduce electricity bills for every single consumer,” O’Neal explained. “Think about what even a small boost in a working mom’s paycheck would mean for her family or what a reduction in an electricity bill would mean for a retired couple.”

Kail highlighted that eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on energy bills would lower energy costs significantly.

“If you live in this great Commonwealth, you should be able to reap the benefits of Pennsylvania energy,” Kail said. “One component of this historic tax cut package includes eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on your utility bills. We’re proposing lower energy bills for you and your family.”

Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) added that these tax cuts aim to provide financial relief specifically targeted at working-class Pennsylvanians.

“These tax cuts, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, are designed to provide much-needed financial relief to working-class people,” she said.

Republican Leader Bryan Cutler concluded by reiterating their commitment towards returning taxpayer money back into citizens' pockets.

___