Erie County Times

Senate Republicans Secure Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families

HARRISBURG – Championed by Senate Republicans, a historic plan to reduce by roughly $3 billion the taxes of working families, job creators and energy consumers in Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate on Tuesday with a bipartisan 36-14 vote, said Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).

“We passed the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history for the people of this state and I’m very proud to have taken part in that,” Laughlin said.

Senate Bill 269 would reduce the Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, putting more money in the wallets of every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck. The bill would also eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on energy, effective Jan. 1, 2025, providing critical relief from high energy costs. The bipartisan legislation would represent the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history, saving taxpayers more than $13 billion over the next five years.

“I think what people need to understand is the fiscal responsibility the Senate Republicans exercised during the past six-to-eight years – since I’ve been in the Pennsylvania Senate – put the state in a financial position where we are able to do this,” explained Laughlin.

The tax cuts would benefit all Pennsylvania families and inject an additional $3 billion into the state’s economy, rather than growing government and arbitrarily picking winners and losers. The plan is a sharp contrast from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s calls for $3.2 billion in new government spending, as well as legislation introduced by House Democrats to nearly quadruple certain taxes paid by small businesses.

The tax cuts are a continuation of Senate Republicans’ longstanding efforts to protect taxpayers against unnecessary tax increases, new spending, and unchecked growth in the size of government.

“From my first day in the Senate, I have worked with my Senate Republican colleagues to fight off tax increases sought by the governor, first by former Gov. Tom Wolf and now by Gov. Josh Shapiro,” said Laughlin. “Senate Republicans have almost singlehandedly kept Pennsylvania on a sound financial path, which now allows us to pass this bill that will provide real, genuine tax relief to working families and our small businesses in Pennsylvania.”

Senate Bill 269 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Contact: David Kozak 717-787-8927