The legislative package is focused on exempting items that are necessary in the everyday lives of Pennsylvania families.
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Three Lower Bucks County lawmakers have announced a package of legislation focused on exempting from the state sales tax items necessary in the everyday lives of Pennsylvania families.
State Reps. KC Tomlison, Joe Hogan, and Kristin Marcell have 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.
State Rep. Kathleen “K.C.” Tomlinson (R-18), 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,” Tomlinson said. “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.”
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Proposed legislation by Hogan (R-142) 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 breastfeeding supplies from the sales tax. This proposal would exempt similar supplies used for formula-fed babies from the sales tax.
The legislation also 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,” Hogan said.
"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.”
The lawmakers said by creating an exemption for these items, Pennsylvania families would be able to better afford the necessary supplies and goods needed daily.
State Rep. Kristin Marcell represents the 178th legislative district of Pennsylvania, which includes Wrightstown Township, Warwick Township, Upper Southampton, and parts of Northampton Township.
State Rep. Kathleen "KC" Tomlinson represents Bensalem Township and Hulmeville Borough.
State Rep. Joe Hogan represents the 142nd legislative district of Pennsylvania, which includes Langhorne Borough, Langhorne Manor, Lower Southampton, Penndel, and parts of Middletown and Northampton townships.