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Thursday, March 17, 2022

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Josh Shapiro Releases Plan to Cut Taxes, Put Money Back in Pennsylvanians’ Pockets

PENNSYLVANIA – Today, Attorney General Josh Shapiro released a plan to tackle rising costs and cut taxes for Pennsylvanians as Governor. Josh knows Pennsylvanians are struggling with and worried about rising costs – as the prices of everything from food to gas continues to rise. That’s why Josh is releasing a three-part plan to cut taxes, lower costs, and put money back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets.

“Pennsylvanians are being crushed under a mountain of rising prices – the cost of everything from food to gas keeps going up, and I know it’s weighing on folks all across the Commonwealth. They’re being forced to stretch their paychecks further, and that’s why we need to take real action to cut taxes, protect consumers, and put money back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “I know Pennsylvanians are hurting right now – and I believe the Legislature should take up this plan immediately – but if they don’t, I’ll be ready on day one as Governor to bring people together and put money back in your pockets.”

Throughout his career, Josh has prioritized fiscal responsibility and worked to put money back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets. As the chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, Josh led a fiscal turnaround, keeping taxes among the lowest in the region while closing a $10 million budget gap within two years of taking office. As Attorney General, Josh has stood up to powerful corporations who screw over Pennsylvanians – securing over $328 million in relief for everyday consumers, seniors who’ve been scammed, and students preyed upon by private lenders in the Commonwealth.

Josh knows that Pennsylvanians are struggling to get by amid rising prices – and as Governor, he will have their backs. Josh’s plan to cut taxes and put money back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets includes:

Eliminating the Commonwealth’s “Cell Phone Tax” 

As Governor, Josh will sign legislation to eliminate the state cell phone tax – specifically, the gross receipt and sales tax on cell phone service. Pennsylvania’s taxes on cell phone service are the 7th highest in the country, and by eliminating them, Josh will save every Pennsylvanian 11% on their monthly cell phone bill and reduce the overall tax burden by $317 million. More than 97 percent of Americans report owning a cell phone and Josh believes it’s time to make it cheaper for Pennsylvanians to stay connected and pay your bills.

Expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvania has a Property Tax and Rent Rebate program used by many elderly, widowed, and disabled people to help afford their property tax or rent. Currently, this program is available only to renters who make below $15,000 and homeowners making below $35,000, and it provides a maximum standard rebate of $650. While costs have risen 43 percent, this program hasn’t changed since 2006. 

As Governor, Josh will sign legislation to expand this program by raising the income threshold to $30,000 for renters and $50,000 for homeowners, so that 275,000 more Pennsylvanians are eligible to apply. Josh will also increase the total rebate amount so that qualified individuals can receive up to $1,000, putting up to $500 more back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets.

Sending a Gas Tax Refund to Pennsylvania Drivers

As Governor, Josh will work with the Legislature to give Pennsylvania drivers a gas tax refund of $250 per personal passenger vehicle – up to four per household to help pay for the rising cost of gas. Josh will pay for the gas tax refund using unspent American Rescue Plan, and unlike the other candidates running for Governor, his proposal will put money directly into people’s pockets while ensuring we continue to fully fund our roads and bridges, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police.

Pennsylvanians are hurting right now – and Josh believes the Legislature should immediately take up this plan to provide relief and reduce costs at a time of rising prices. If they do not, he will be ready on day one to bring people together, deliver for Pennsylvanians, and put money back in folks’ pockets.

 

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