(From a press release)
Reps. Kathleen “K.C.” Tomlinson (R-Bucks), Joe Hogan (R-Bucks), Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) and Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) today announced a package of legislation focused on exempting from the state sales tax items necessary in the everyday lives of Pennsylvania families.
Marcell has proposed legislation that would exempt school supplies from the sales tax. Current law exempts school supplies when purchased by a school district or nonprofit educational institution, and this legislation would expand that to include all other purchasers.
“As inflation continues to hit every Pennsylvanian, we are seeing multiple key items for school-age children skyrocket in price,” said Marcell. “Exempting school supplies like folders, pencil cases, graphing calculators and more from the sales tax will have immediate benefits to the pocketbooks of parents across the state.”
Proposed legislation from Kutz would exempt cribs, crib mattresses and strollers from the sales tax. He is also proposing legislation that would exempt children’s books, library books, children’s toys and youth sports equipment from the sales tax.
“One of the things I hear the most about from families is how the cost of child care and raising a family are overwhelming,” said Kutz. “We can do more to make Pennsylvania the best place to live, work and raise a family by easing these financial burdens. These tax cuts are just one way we can support families as their children grow here in Pennsylvania.”
Hogan’s proposed legislation would have baby car seats and booster seats exempted from the sales tax, as well as baby bottles, nipples and teethers. The latter exemptions add on to Act 25 of 2021, which exempted breast feeding supplies from the sales tax. This proposal would exempt similar supplies used for formula-fed babies from the sales tax. Further, this legislation would exempt baby teethers, which are critical for babies undergoing the teething process.
“Over the last year I have experienced the many challenges that come from growing a family. Providing financial relief from the sales tax will make it more affordable to raise a child and help working families across Pennsylvania,” said Hogan.
Tomlinson has proposed legislation that would exempt all types of pet food from the sales tax.
“As someone who has multiple pets and considers them family, it made sense to include our furry friends in the introduction of this package,” said Tomlinson. “Making pet food exempt from the sales tax will limit some of the cost. This is something I think will be helpful not only for young families but also our seniors. Hopefully this may even encourage more Pennsylvania families to welcome a new pet into their lives.”
The lawmakers said by creating an exemption for these items, Pennsylvania families will be able to better afford the necessary supplies and goods needed on a daily basis.
