Tax Relief for PA Job Creators: Policy Committee Hearing in Adams County Discusses ‘Cutting Costs, Creating Commerce’

HARRISBURG – As working families and small businesses across Pennsylvania continue to grapple with inflation and economic uncertainty, House Republican policymakers are calling for transformational tax reforms to provide immediate relief and long-term growth. 

Today, the House Policy Committee, led by Chairman Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), joined host Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) for a public hearing titled “Cutting Costs, Creating Commerce” at the Adams County Economic Alliance, located in Gettysburg. Representatives Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), John Lawrence (R-Chester), Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia), and Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster/Berks) were also in attendance. 

Testifiers included Stephen Kelly, senior associate, government affairs, Commonwealth Foundation; Isaac Bucher, owner and operator, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium; and Robin Fitzpatrick, president, Adams Economic Alliance. 

The hearing focused on pro-growth tax policy solutions—including expanding Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforwards and ending Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Sales and Use Tax—that will allow small businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs. There was also discussion of a proposal for tax rebates using the state's budget surplus to return money directly to Pennsylvania taxpayers.

“Adams County is home to hardworking small business owners who want government to get out of the way. We’ve heard from them time and again—what they need is a tax code that doesn’t punish success. This hearing put a spotlight on solutions that will empower our job creators and give working families a fighting chance against inflation,” said Ecker. 

“Rather than grow government, we should grow the economy—and that starts by letting Pennsylvanians keep more of what they earn,” said Rowe. “When businesses aren’t weighed down by burdensome taxes and unpredictable regulations, they innovate, hire, and expand. If we want Pennsylvania to be competitive, Harrisburg must listen to what Pennsylvania businesses are asking for and enact meaningful, permanent tax relief—not temporary gimmicks.”