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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 16, 2018 04:01 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Brian L. Ellis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Business Per Capita Tax Preemption Legislation |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation to prevent local taxing jurisdictions from imposing a per capita tax on businesses in the Commonwealth. The legislation will be designed to prevent local governments from taking steps to impose unfriendly businesses taxes that will harm our economy. While per capita taxes are used by many local taxing jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania, the idea of imposing such a tax on businesses entities has not been implemented. Recently, the city council of Seattle passed a per capita tax plan on businesses making at least $20 million in gross revenues. The plan will cost businesses approximately $275 per full-time worker annually and the revenues from the tax will be used to fund housing and homeless services. While the tax is estimated to provide significant revenues the city’s budget, it is also being widely criticized as a jobs killer with significant detriment to the local economy. In order to prevent any of our local municipalities from considering similar legislation, I am introducing a bill that will prevent local taxing jurisdictions from imposing a per capita tax on businesses in the Commonwealth. Singling out our job creators with an unfair tax of this nature will preserve our economic vitality, while also protecting the thousands of jobs throughout our Commonwealth. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |