Cumberland Valley News

Reps. Kathleen “K.C.” Tomlinson, Joe Hogan, Thomas Kutz, and Kristin Marcell have introduced a legislative package aimed at exempting certain items from Pennsylvania's state sales tax. The proposed legislation targets everyday essentials for families across the state.

Kristin Marcell's proposal seeks to expand current exemptions on school supplies to include all purchasers, not just schools or nonprofit educational institutions. "As inflation continues to hit every Pennsylvanian, we are seeing multiple key items for school-age children skyrocket in price," said Marcell. She believes that removing the sales tax on items like folders and graphing calculators will provide immediate financial relief to parents.

Thomas Kutz is advocating for exemptions on cribs, crib mattresses, strollers, children's books, library books, toys, and youth sports equipment. He emphasizes the financial pressures of child-rearing: "One of the things I hear the most about from families is how the cost of child care and raising a family are overwhelming."

Joe Hogan proposes removing sales tax on baby car seats, booster seats, bottles, nipples, teethers and similar formula-feeding supplies. These changes aim to complement existing exemptions for breastfeeding supplies. "Providing financial relief from the sales tax will make it more affordable to raise a child," stated Hogan.

Kathleen Tomlinson suggests exempting all types of pet food from sales tax as well. She highlights this inclusion as beneficial for both young families and seniors: "Making pet food exempt from the sales tax will limit some of the cost."

The representatives believe these exemptions will ease daily financial burdens for Pennsylvania families by making necessary goods more affordable.