Bills, bills, bills. More than just a top 40 hit by Destiny's Child! 💃🎵
The PA House of Representatives just passed a series of new bills to help the state's workers and lower-income families. 👪 The bills' main focus is on expanding or creating a couple of tax credits.
Here’s Five Fast Facts on the new bills:
- 📋 Credit Check - PA state Representatives recently approved the creation of a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit. They also approved the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program.
- 🅰️➕ A Passing Grade - House Bill 1259 centers around the Earned Income Tax Credit. It passed on a 141 to 62 vote. The vote on House Bill 1272 (the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program) was a bit more neck-and-neck. It passed on a 122 to 81 vote.
- 💰 Little of This, Little of That - These two new bills aim to lower taxes on cell phones and provide a tax credit to new nurses, teachers and police officers. They also increase tax credits for child care and expand eligibility requirements for the earned income tax credit.
- 🙋 Looking Out for the Little Guy - PA Democrats largely favor the bills. One representative mentioned the double standard around tax cuts for big corporations versus the little guys. Lobbyists do a heck of a lot for big institutions and no one puts up a stink about where that money's going to come from.
- 🧐 Who's Buyin'? - On the other hand, Republicans are questioning the bills' $1 billion price tag. Although most favor the bills, it's unclear how the state and taxpayers are going to cover it all.
🔥Bottom line: These bills passed in the House, but now they're off to the PA Senate. Both bills' next move is to the Republican-controlled Senate. They'll be added in as negotiations on next year's state budget. With costs rising all over the place, these bills could provide some much needed relief. We'll keep you posted on what happens next.
What do you think about these bills?
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