Mihalek, Policy Committee Host Final Hearing in Series on Historic Tax Cuts
BETHEL PARK— Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened the final hearing in a series to discuss
House Bill 2388, the House Republican tax cut bill that would return $3 billion to the people of Pennsylvania 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, “Historic Tax Cuts,” featured testifiers Elizabeth Stelle, director of policy analysis, The Commonwealth Foundation; Wayne Herrod, local resident; and Jim Jenkins, former business owner.
Pennsylvania’s economy is stagnant. The Commonwealth is struggling to balance an aging population without incentives to retain young workers. Businesses are relocating to states with more favorable tax environments, and start-ups are deterred by the “start-up penalty.” Inflation has made everyday essentials, like groceries, medicine and electricity, unaffordable for many.
"Returning money to Commonwealth residents by lowering the tax rate is often talked about, but we are now in a position where we can actually do it. Doing so would provide a quick jumpstart to our economy and help families deal with the inflationary pressures that have plagued us since 2021," Mihalek said. "This great opportunity is why I invited Chairman Kail to the 40th District. Fighting inflation and developing our economy are bipartisan, commonsense efforts that we need to continue to pursue."
Living on unfairly tight budgets, Pennsylvanians are having to settle for unhealthy standards of living. As testifiers shared, seniors are choosing not to use their air conditioners on hot days. They’re unable to afford medications. Even younger citizens and families are feeling the same pressures, sacrificing extracurricular activities or delaying long-term savings.
“As I reflect on all the assets Pennsylvania can bring to the table and has brought to the table for hundreds of years -- our geography, our natural resources, our manufacturing capabilities – the fact that we’re in decline is a shame,” said Kail. “It is cause for alarm, but also cause for optimism. I believe that if Harrisburg can get out of the way and pass House Bill 2388, this state will see a fundamental transformation – more jobs, young people wanting to move here, and my own children wanting to stay here.”
To watch this complete hearing or the other “Historic Tax Cut” hearings from June 11, June 17, June 18 and June 20, visit
pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.
Representative Natalie Mihalek
40th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepMihalek.com / Facebook.com/RepMihalek